A JURY has retired to consider its verdict in the sex assault trial of speedway star Darcy Ward.

The seven men and five women will consider whether Poole Pirates rider Ward, 20, is guilty of one charge of sexual assault, allegedly committed in a Poole hotel room on August 17 last year.

They will also consider one charge of rape and three of sexual assault against a 17-year-old male, who cannot be named for legal reasons, allegedly committed on the same date. All the charges are denied.

Ward, of Poole Road, Sturminster Marshall, and the 17-year-old have been on trial at Bournemouth Crown Court for two weeks.