Footballer cleared of GBH attack

A former England under-21 footballer has been cleared of assaulting an opponent during a game.

Jamie Stuart, 31, had denied causing GBH in connection with an incident during a game between Grays Athletic and York City in September last year.

He was found not guilty by a jury at Basildon Crown Court of assaulting York striker Chris Beardsley.

Mr Stuart, who won four England under-21 caps, argued the incident was part of football's "rough and tumble".

Jurors were told the incident occurred when Grays were entertaining York in a Blue Square Premier league game.

Mr Beardsley had said he was elbowed in an off-the-ball clash during the first half.

Jurors were told that Mr Stuart, of Sidcup, Kent, was sent off for violent conduct by the match referee and Mr Beardsley, who now plays for Kettering Town, needed surgery.

Mr Stuart played for the England under-21 side when he began his career with Charlton Athletic.

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