Former superbike star Steve Spray held in custody

Former superbike racer Steve Spray is due to appear before Nottingham Crown Court in March to answer charges of causing actual bodily harm, sexual assault and attempting to pervert the cause of justice.

Spray (44), who was MCN’s Man of the year in 1989, when he won the British Supercup and Formula 1 championships with the John Player Norton team, appeared before Mansfield Magistrates court on December 24. He was remanded in custody in Lincoln prison awaiting trial.

He had been arrested following an incident at his home in Hoveringham, near Nottingham. It was alleged that following a heavy pre-Christmas drinking session Spray had assaulted a woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons. It is understood that the charge of perverting the course of justice relates to a telephone call.