by Mary Graham and Lynn Cox

A fan who shouted "pikey" at a Gillingham player has been cleared of racial abuse.

Millwall supporter Gary O'Neill ended up behind bars during his team's 2-0 defeat at Priestfield last September.

As a player fell, Mr O'Neill had shouted "get up you pikey...." and then a swear word. He was arrested and led away in handcuffs.

The 49-year-old kitchen fitter, who once played for the Gills' youth team, then began a five-month battle to clear his name.

Medway magistrates threw out the case after hearing that for years some Gills fans have referred to themselves as "the pikey army" or "pure pikey".

Mr O'Neill's solicitor produced a T-shirt bearing the slogan "Gillingham - Pure Pikey".

Mr O'Neill, from Maidstone, has decribed his prosecution as a complete waste of time and money.

Police have defended the decision to charge him.

For the full story pick up a copy of the Medway Messenger or Kent Messenger newspaper.

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