Jury clears Leeds Utd footballer

HULL, England -- Leeds United footballers Michael Duberry and Jonathan Woodgate have been found not guilty of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

The £5 million former Chelsea defender Duberry, now a free man, embraced Woodgate who still faces other charges over an attack on a student in Leeds, northern England, last January.

The jury at Hull Crown Court has not reached a verdict on serious assault charges faced by Woodgate and another Leeds footballer Lee Bowyer, and the two friends, Neale Caveney and Paul Clifford.

The jury was sent home after returning the verdict and will resume deliberations on the remaining charges on Friday.

Clifford and Caveney were also cleared of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice on Thursday.

They, together with England international Woodgate and former England under-21 captain Bowyer, deny causing grievous bodily harm to Sarfraz Najeib and have also pleaded not guilty to affray.

Bowyer was not charged with conspiracy to pervert the course.

Outside the court Duberry's lawyer issued a short statement saying Duberry would wish to thank his legal team, but refusing to say any more until all the verdicts have been returned.

During the eight-week trial at Hull Crown Court there have been 60 witnesses giving evidence, including the three footballers.

Duberry told the court he had lied to police about the alleged attack, saying he had wanted to protect his best friend Woodgate.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Footballers' assault trial nears end
April 3, 2001

Hull Crown Court
Leeds United Football Club

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