Innocent Redknapp questions prosecution

A relieved Harry Redknapp has labelled the last five years a ‘nightmare’ after being cleared of tax evasion charges on Wednesday.

The Tottenham Hotspur manager, along with Sheffield Wednesday owner Milan Mandaric, was found not guilty on two charges of cheating the public revenue.

A jury of eight men and four women were unanimous in their verdict, as a five-year eight million-pound police investigation which failed to gain a single conviction came to an end.

Speaking after the verdict, Redknapp said the case should never have gone to court.

“The most important thing, obviously, is my family who have been pulled through it the last five years it’s been hanging over us,” he said outside the Southwark Crown Court.

“I’m looking forward to getting home and seeing my wife Sandra and getting away from all of this.”

“It really has been a nightmare, I’ve got to be honest, it’s been five years and this case should never have come to court. It was horrendous.”

“It was a unanimous decision, the jury were absolutely unanimous there was no case to answer and I’m pleased we can go home and get on with my life.”

Redknapp was absent from the sidelines as Tottenham played out a 0-0 draw at Liverpool on Monday, slipping seven points adrift of league leaders Manchester City.

The 64-year-old praised Tottenham fans and chairman Daniel Levy for their support.

“I want to thank the support I’ve had from Tottenham, the support from Daniel Levy,” Redknapp said.

“If ever he thought there was a problem when he gave me this job – this was going on over three years ago – he would never have employed me. He knew this was a case that should never have come to court.”

“I especially have to thank the fans of Tottenham – the Wigan game was the most moving I’ve ever felt it.”

“To have them singing my name throughout the game, that will always be special to me. I’ll never forget that.”