Keane charges dismissed

Roy Keane has been cleared of charges of assault and criminal damage.

Keane had been accused of assaulting a 16-year-old and breaking his necklace, but the court has acquitted the footballer.

The Red Devils star gave evidence on Tuesday after being accused of assault, a public order offence and criminal damage.

District Judge Paul Richardson said he felt that there had not been enough proof to convict, stating: "Accordingly I dismiss these three charges.

"It was clear to me this was a young man who enjoyed the attention that the incident had given him.

"Given his motive was, at the best, very questionable, I could not rely on his evidence."

The judge added that the three charges of common assault, criminal damage and the public order offence arose out of the same incident and so all stood or fell together.

"Throughout this matter, Roy has always maintained his innocence," said solictor Maurice Watkins.

"He has been vindicated today and he is very relieved that justice has been done."