Gerrard 'fixer' goes on the run

John Kinsella failed to return from a break to hear he had been found guilty

A robber who allegedly helped stop an intimidation campaign against Steven Gerrard has walked out of court moments before he was found guilty of robbery.

John Kinsella, of Mile End, Liverpool, had denied being part of a robbery at a haulage depot in Grantham, Lincs.

It has previously been said in court that Kinsella, 43, was a "fixer" who saved the England star from a gangster.

He failed to return from a break to hear he had been found guilty and then refused a phone plea to return.

He was being tried at Lincoln Crown Court for his role in stealing detergents, crisps and Easter eggs valued at £41,000 from a haulage firm in 2006.

Guilty plea

Kinsella said he had been "hoodwinked" into taking part in the robbery.

He disappeared from the grounds of the city's castle, where the court buildings are, during the lunchtime adjournment.

The court had earlier heard that Steven Gerrard's father, Paul, contacted Kinsella after a campaign of intimidation by a Liverpool criminal.

Also found guilty of the robbery were Stephen McMullen, 49, of Phoenix Drive, Liverpool, and James Muldoon, 28, of Lakenheath Road, Liverpool.

The fourth raider, Thomas Hodgson, 29, of Melwood Drive, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to the charge as a result of the raid in March 2006.

Muldoon went on the run before the trial - meaning neither he nor Kinsella may be in the dock when sentence is passed on Thursday.