Bellamy coin-thrower case thrown out

(GETTY IMAGES)

The case against a man charged with throwing a coin at footballer Craig Bellamy collapsed today.

Adam Teese, 26, was accused of "throwing a missile on to the pitch" during the Manchester derby in January.

Bellamy, playing for City in that match but currently on loan to Cardiff, fell to the ground after he was struck by a coin in the 50th minute as he went to take a corner during the Carling Cup semi-final at Old Trafford.

Unemployed Teese, who lives with his parents in Nelstrop Road North, Heaton Chapel, Greater Manchester, was due to go on trial at Trafford Magistrates' Court.

But the prosecution's key witness, steward Ashley Orr, could not be contacted by the court and the case was thrown out.

Teese's mother, Deborah, 49, sat next to her son throughout the game and was due to be called as a witness for the defence.

The family had to change their phone number after receiving abusive phone calls from City fans and numerous unwanted takeaways, she said.

"We are happy and relieved but had it gone ahead we could have proved he was innocent," she said.

Teese, who has always protested his innocence, said he was scared to go out in case he was attacked by a City fan.

"I am going to move on with my life now," he said.