Gary and Phil Neville's dad charged with sexual assault on 46-year-old woman

The father of former Manchester United and England stars Gary and Phil Neville has been charged with sexual assault by penetration against a 46-year-old woman.

The 63-year-old will appear at Bury Magistrates Court on June 12.

Nazir Afzal, chief crown prosecutor for CPS North West, said: 'Greater Manchester Police has investigated an allegation of sexual assault by Neville Neville in March 2013. 

Party time: Neville Neville, father of Gary and Phil, leads the songs at party for England players' families at the 2006 World Cup in Baden-Baden, Germany

Charged: Neville Neville will appear in court in June for allegedly sexual assaulting a 46-year-world

                              

Father and sons: Neville Neville (back left) with Phil (back centre) and Gary (back right) pose with then Minister for Young People and Learning Ivan Lewis (in go kart) in 2002

'I have reviewed all the evidence that they have gathered and have authorised the police to charge him with one count of sexual assault by penetration against a 46-year-old woman.

'He has been bailed to appear at Bury and Rochdale Magistrates’ Court on 12 June 2013.

'This decision is made in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

'I have concluded that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and that it is in the public interest to prosecute this case.

'With criminal proceedings now underway, I would like to stress the importance of nothing being placed in the public domain that could prejudice a future trial.

'For these reasons, we will not be commenting further about the case at this time.'

Neville Snr is a well-known figure on the football scene in the North West, having served as a director at Bury FC in the past and having also represented the professional interests of both sons.

His wife, Jill, was the club's company secretary and last year received the Freedom of Bury in recognition of her service to the club.

England duty: Gary Neville is England manager Roy Hodgson's assistant 

                            

He is also a noted sportsman in his own right, playing for Greenmount in the Bolton Cricket League in the 1980s.

The 63-year-old acts as agent for both his sons. As a former director of Bury, Neville was praised for his efforts in spearheading a campaign to save the club from administration.

The couple's third child, daughter Tracey Neville, is a former netball player who represented England.

He had been arrested by Greater Manchester Police at the end of March in his home town of Bury in the early hours of a Saturday morning.

The arrest came only hours before Neville's son Gary - No 2 to England manager Roy Hodgson - played a key role in helping England prepare to face Montenegro in their crunch World Cup qualifying tie.

                             

Family: Neville Neville is the father of England coach Gary and Everton midfielder Phil (right)