Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has been found not guilty of a public order offence involving an alleged road rage incident in Altrincham town centre.
In a trial today at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, taxi driver Fateh Kerar had alleged that Keane, 43, had “stared aggressively” at him before launching into a foul-mouthed verbal attack.
The Old Trafford legend, who lives in Hale, had given evidence from the witness box himself and described how he and his wife were on the way to Cheshire Pet Supplies after breakfasting at a cafe.
But after a half-day trial, he was cleared of causing harassment, alarm or distress.
Duncan Birrell, the judge, said the prosecution’s case was riddled with inconsistencies and that there was something of the “thwarted fan” about Kerar.
Mr Birrell said to Keane: “I have listened with great care to the evidence on your case. The burden of proof is on the prosecution.
“In my view taking as I have said a careful view of the evidence, the prosecution has failed to discharge their burden. Therefore I find you not guilty.”
Keane’s lawyer described the whole incident as a “storm in a tea cup”.
The judge said it would be up to the prosecution to consider whether they were correct to bring the case or not.
Below: The scene of the alleged incident
