Judgment in R v John Terry published online

The Judicial Office has published the judgment of District Judge Riddle setting out the reasons for footballer John Terry's acquittal.  The judgment was handed down at the City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on 13 July 2012.

Mr Terry had been charged with using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress and the offence was racially aggravated in accordance with section 28 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, contrary to section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 and section 31(1)(c) and (5) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.  The allegations stemmed from an on-pitch incident during a football match between QPR and Chelsea on 23 October 2011.

Mr Terry was acquitted following a four day trial.  The offence alleged is summary only and thus could only be tried in the Magistrates' Court.

The judgment can be found by following the below link:-

http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/Resources/JCO/Documents/Judgments/r-v-john-terry.pdf