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April 25, 2003
(Friday)
"I won't pursue
assault claims"
The teenager at the
centre of an assault allegation against soccer
star Jonathan Woodgate has told the Gazette he has dropped his claims.
But Cleveland Police have confirmed they are still pursuing the case,
as well as a new linked allegation.
Officers launched an investigation last week after claims the England
and Newcastle United star struck out at a teenager in the toilets of
a popular Middlesbrough pub.
Middlesbrough-born Mr Woodgate strongly denied the allegations,
saying: "I'm perfectly happy to cooperate with the police in any way
they wish.
"I've nothing to hide. I've done nothing wrong."
Anthony Strange, 18, of Wellington Street, Middlesbrough, told police
he was left with a cheekbone injury after an incident at the Dickens
Inn, Southfield Road, on April 15.
As reported by the Gazette, the Boro fan said he had been drinking
with a friend since 12.30pm when he spoke to Mr Woodgate in the
toilets at 4pm.
Mr Strange claimed he was hit on the right side of the face after
having "wound him up".
He said: "I just said, 'You should have signed for the Boro, they're
a better team'. I was just winding him up, it went on for about ten
seconds. It was just a laugh, just a daft joke."
Mr Strange said he then continued drinking until the end of the
evening but became more alarmed about his injury and went for
treatment at Middlesbrough General Hospital. He then reported the
incident to Cleveland Police.
The alleged incident gained huge coverage in the national media.
Mr Strange has now said he has decided to drop his claims.
A Cleveland Police spokesman said: "The investigation is continuing."
And he added officers were now looking at new linked "allegations".
A spokesman for Mr Woodgate's management company said at the
time: "The story has no foundation whatsoever.
"There are people who continue to make mischief for Jonathan but all
he is concerned about is making a substantial contribution to the
success of his career at Newcastle United."
He declined to make any further comment when contacted by the Gazette
today.
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Woody: Probe on threats
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