Big Ron in court clearance

FORMER Manchester United and Aston Villa boss “Big Ron” Atkinson appeared before Oldham Magistrates yesterday.

The former TV soccer pundit - axed after a racist remark on TV - was charged with failing to give the identity of a driver who committed an offence. The charge was dismissed by Judge James Prowse.

Mr Atkinson was sent two letters by authorities asking him to reveal who was driving a Toyota Landcruiser Amazon with a personalised plate when it was caught speeding in Sale in November 2011.

Mr Atkinson, who travelled from Worcestershire for the hearing, said: “I remember receiving the letter in November because I sent it back in the prepaid envelope. I remember it well because I’ve got a clean driving licence and I was annoyed about it.

“I had an altercation with my daughter because she was using the vehicle. She lives in Cheshire and she’s been moving some stuff and doing some boot sales.”

He denied he received the second notice letter, saying he has many problems with his mail.

“Other people get my mail all the time, which is a little bit off-putting.”



Our website carries on ly a small number of heavily-edited stories from tonight’s print and eChron editions