No assault charge for Chapman

The husband of actress Leslie Ash will not be charged over an allegation that he assaulted her sister, police confirmed today.

No action is to be taken against former footballer Lee Chapman who has been on police bail after he was arrested last month following a complaint by Debbie Ash.

A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said: "On June 24 2004 a 44-year-old man from west London was arrested in connection with an allegation of assault against a 47-year-old woman in June 2001. He was interviewed at a west London police station and later bailed to return in July. Following advice from the Crown Prosecution Service the man has been advised that there will no further action."

Chapman's arrest came two months after an incident in which Leslie Ash needed treatment for a broken rib and collapsed lung. She blamed the injury on "rough sex" with her husband.

Police originally arrested Chapman following the incident but he was later released without charge.

Chapman, 44, was a striker with Leeds United while Ash, star of the Men Behaving Badly series, is one of Britain's favourite actresses.

She is currently recovering after contracting the MSSA bug while being treated for her injuries.