ACCORDING to Jonathan Woodgate's father, Alan, his son would never have been brought before the courts if he was not the high-profile player he now is.

Mr Woodgate, of High Gill Road, Middlesbrough, spoke briefly to The Northern Echo before the start of the court case and claimed that his son had been unfairly treated.

Mr Woodgate told of how the family had found it difficult to cope with the media attention after charges were laid against his son.

He said: "When it first happened we had cameras here every evening. Now, we just want it all over with so we can get on with our lives.