Monday 30 November 2015 15:29, UK
Former New Zealand all-rounder and captain Chris Cairns has been found not guilty of perjury and perverting the course of justice at Southwark Crown Court.
The jury reached a verdict on Monday after deliberating for 10 hours and 17 minutes, bringing an end to a trial which lasted more than eight weeks.
Co-defendant Andrew Fitch-Holland, a barrister and former legal adviser to Cairns, has also been cleared of perverting the course of justice.
The charges stemmed from allegations that Cairns lied during the libel trial he won against former Indian Premier League boss Lalit Modi.
But the Southwark jury decided he had not been lying when he said under oath during the 2012 libel trial that he had never cheated at cricket.
The finding of not guilty of perjury automatically meant the perverting the course of justice charge would also be dismissed.
Cairns reacted emotionally when the foreman of the jury read out the verdict, letting out a sigh of relief and bending over to put his hands on his knees.
Speaking outside court after the verdict, Cairns said: "My legal team have been superb throughout and I can't thank them enough.
"Other than being exhausted, I am just looking forward to getting home and being with my family. It's been hell for the last five or so years and, in particular, the last couple of years.
"I have been through the mill. Now I have come out the other side and I am a very happy man. It's not a victory as such because, in a case like this, I don't think there are any winners. It's been hell for everyone involved."
Asked if he felt he could work in cricket again, Cairns said: "No. It would be a pretty hard environment to go back into.
"There has been a lot of damage done. I think that's unfortunate and sad."
Cairns played 62 Test matches for New Zealand and over 200 one-day internationals.
Responding to the verdict, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said: "The ICC notes the decision of the jury finding Mr Chris Cairns not guilty and confirms its utmost respect for the process that has been followed.
"The ICC and its ACU will continue to work closely with and provide all possible support to players in order that the fight against corruption can be tackled effectively and collectively."
