Bowyer dispute ends

Newcastle United soccer star Lee Bowyer's law firm has confirmed that he's agreed an out-of-court settlement with an Asian student he was cleared of assaulting.

Bowyer's solicitors Barker Gillette confirmed a cash settlement had also been agreed with Mr Najeib's brother Shahzad.

Bowyer was charged in connection with the incident in Leeds city centre in January 2000.

He was found not guilty of both grievous bodily harm and affray.

In a statement, Bowyer's law firm said: "We confirm that Lee Bowyer has agreed to pay a sum of money to Mr Sarfraz and Mr Shahzad Najeib in full and final settlement of all claims made by them and arising out of the incident in Leeds city centre as long ago as January 2000.

"This payment is made without any admission of liability by Lee, who has maintained consistently throughout two criminal trials and still maintains that he had no part in the infliction of any injuries sustained by Mr Sarfraz and Mr Shahzad Najeib.

"The payment made is substantially less than claimed and is made in recognition of the simple fact that should he have to prove his innocence once again, the legal costs he would incur would be far greater and would not be recovered even if he defeated the claim once again."

The statement added: "Additionally, the disruption to his private and professional life and the lives of many others who will once again have to re-live the events of five years ago is something that any reasonable person would want to avoid.

"Lee will be making no further statements in relation to this affair. He is glad for himself, his family and friends that this long-running matter is now closed."