AN ice hockey player unhappy at the charge for a taxi journey was yesterday cleared of robbing the female driver.

Shaun Johnson admitted leaving the cab after a journey from Whitley Bay to Langley Park, near Durham, without paying, but denied allegations that he struck the driver twice and snatched £40 from next to the meter.

The 31-year-old former Durham Wasps player, now with British National League side Newcastle Vipers, denied the charge of robbery.

Durham Crown Court was told he and team-mate Michael Tasker caught the cab on Whitley Bay sea front in the early hours of June 18.

During the trial, Vipers' general manager Clyde Tuyl described Mr Johnson as "an exceptional person".

He said he was a very clean player, who picked up remarkably few penalty points, and was always helpful with Vipers' community and anti-drug initiatives.

Following a brief deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous not guilty verdict, to a cheer from family and friends in the public gallery.

However, Mr Johnson, of Netherton Close, Langley Park, who has no previous convictions, was ordered to pay the outstanding taxi fare of £38, and the judge suggested Mr Tasker might make a contribution.