THE Crown Prosecution Service has dropped an investigation into allegations of historic sex abuse against a senior youth worker in Newton Abbot.

Mike Stevens, 53 from Kingskerswell, was suspended from his role as head of Teignbridge youth services by Devon County Council, after his arrest in March.

A statement released by his lawyer, Michael Hayman of Bynes, said: 'We are pleased to tell you that the CPS are taking no further action in the case and the inquiry has been concluded. We anticipate that our client will now resume working for Devon County Council.'

Mr Hayman said that Mr Stevens learned that the case had been dropped when he answered bail at Torquay Police station on November 27.

A police spokesman confirmed that no further action was being taken.

'That is the end of the matter,' she said.

Mr Hayman said: 'Throughout he has denied any involvement in any of the allegations. They go back a very long time – 25 years or more – and relate to a school near Newton Abbot which has since closed.

'He has been arrested, his property has been searched. It has been a terrible strain. He has had DCC doing their level best to ease him out of employment. He has come under great pressure. When you specialise in working with children, doors close and people want to sever contacts. He has maintained throughout that he is perfectly innocent.

'He wants to go back to working for Devon County Council as he has been suspended by them on the basis of these investigations.

'There is no reason why he should not resume employment.'

A spokesman for Devon County Council was unavailable to confirm that Mr Stevens would be going back to his old job.

In a statement, they said: 'We are unable to comment on individual staffing issues.'

Mr Stevens was unavailable for comment.