TERRY AND MORRIS INNOCENT

Last updated : 23 August 2002 By Editor
The latest football players to end up in court have been cleared by Middlesex
Guildhall Crown Court after been accused of affray. Defender Terry was
cleared of all charges after the incident at a nightclub in London's fashionable
Knightsbridge in January, while midfielder Morris was cleared of one charge
at the end of a 14-day trial.

However Des Bryne, 21, who plays for Wimbledon was found guilty on one count, but escaped a custodial sentence. The judge accepted a majority verdict of 10-2 on the charge of "possessing a bottle as an offensive weapon". The
player, who earns £75,000 a year, has been given a £2000 fine and must pay
£1000 costs. He has 28 days to pay.

Chelsea pensioner Ken Bates said:

'We are delighted at the outcome of the trial,'

'Chelsea Football Club always believed in the innocence of the two players. It
is unfortunate that the Crown Prosecution Service took eight months to bring
a relatively straightforward matter to court.

'Irrespective of the fact that both have been found not guilty, Jody Morris and
John Terry have suffered eight months of agony.

'Terry's international career has also been damaged. It is a sad commentary
on our criminal justice system.

'The matter is now over. They will return to training and rejoin our squad and
be available for selection as and when the manager wants.'