Athletic's captain Sean Gregan has had his drunk driving charge thrown out of court after the Crown Prosecution Service's key prosecution witness failed to attend at Rochdale Court. Magistrates refused the application to adjourn and the case was consequently withdrawn. Gregan was stopped by police near Rochdale on October 3rd. and he was breathalysed and taken to a police station to be charged with driving with excess alcohol. John Dye who was defending said, "The crown has shockingly not checked that a witness, always required, wasn't available until 10 days before the trial. Mr. Gregan was mortified to be in this position as a man of good character. He has got himself mentally ready for this case and for him to be told on the day it could be adjourned is shocking."
The chairman of the bench, Pat Barr said, "We have taken into account the history of the case and earlier hearings. We think the Crown should have been in a position today to proceed after being given clear directions by the district judge that the matter should go ahead."
Mr. Gregan said he would be applying for his costs to be paid.