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Burton Albion footballer Stephen Bywater has been found not guilty of swinging a sword above the heads of two delivery men at his luxury home.

The verdict was returned after deliberations of just 14 minutes by a jury after a four-day trial at Chester Crown Court, which concluded this afternoon (June 5).

Mr Bywater had pleaded not guilty to a charge of affray. He was accused of brandishing the sword during an altercation with delivery men Lee Horsfall, 43, and John Burgon, 35, on June 27 last year.

The court heard the 36-year-old had accused the workmen of scratching his kitchen floor while they delivered an oven to his home in Nether Alderley, Cheshire.

The Brewers' goalkeeper had told the court he only had the sword in his hand to open the packaging on the oven, which was being delivered for use at his daughter's sixth birthday party.

Mr Bywater, who has also represented Derby County and West Ham, was given character references from former Rams teammate Robbie Savage and Brewers manager Nigel Clough.

Mr Bywater's wife, Zoe, also gave evidence in her husband's defence during the trial.