A CHIROPRACTOR who was arrested after an allegation of sexual misconduct has been cleared by police.

Stuart Lawrence, 33, who owns Body Active Chiropractic Clinic, was investigated by Essex Police and the General Chiropractic Council following the allegations made in September.

Dr Lawrence owns the company which has clinics in Main Road, Hockley, and Rushbottom Lane, Thundersley.

The General Chiropractic Council, the regulatory body for chiropractors, imposed an interim suspension on October 21 for two months for the protection of the public.

It was renewed in December while its own investigations took place.

A date has yet to be set for a hearing and Dr Lawrence remains unable to treat patients.

Roger Grimwade, spokesman for Essex Police, said, following an investigation, Dr Lawrence had been “released without charge”.

Dr Lawrence, who has always strenuously denied the allegations, welcomed the end of the police investigation and called on the chiropractic council to lift the ban.

He said: “The police have investigated everything and are taking no further action.

“The General Chiropractic Council has to make its mind up and I assume their findings will be exactly the same as the police findings.

“I have people working for me in the clinic while I take care of the business side of things.

“It took six years to train to become a chiropractor so it has been very hard, but everyone has stood by me.

“If I had done anything wrong, I would have been found guilty. The police have cleared me and if the law says I am not guilty, then I would hope to be cleared.”

A report issued by the General Chiropractic Council in December said it recognised the suspension order would have “a very serious impact on Dr Lawrence”.

However, it concluded the suspension was “necessary for the protection of the public”.

Lawyer, Alex Tribick, of WH Mathews, who has been acting for Dr Lawrence, said: “The police have made the sensible decision not to pursue the matter, but the damage to his reputation is a major concern.

“The General Chiropractic Council have imposed an interim suspension which is still being litigated on.

“It is understandable from their prospective to protect members of the public but, clearly, as Essex Police have said, there is no case to answer.

“One would have to think the council will take a similar view.”