Stars called to autograph trial

Steven Gerrard has been called as a witness

Sports stars Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen and Jonny Wilkinson are to appear as witnesses in the trial of two men accused of selling fake autographs.

Graeme Walker, 45, of Sporting Icons in Chester, and former business partner Faisal Madani, 42, face 74 charges under the Trade Descriptions Act.

The judge has selected the jury, which has been told to expect to see several sportsmen at Chester Crown Court.

Both men deny the charges and their trial is expected to start on Thursday.

English international footballers Gerrard and Owen and rugby world cup star Wilkinson will be joined as witnesses by Liverpool football player Jamie Carragher and former Liverpool stars Ian Rush and Brian Hall.

Mr Walker, of Mountain View Close, Connah's Quay, Deeside, and Mr Madani, of Grange Road, Stockport, Greater Manchester, are accused of selling a variety of sporting memorabilia items, including shirts and photographs, with fakes autographs of the stars.

The trial is expected to last six weeks.