Former Scottish football side Rangers Owner Craig Whyte has been "cleared of a fraudulent takeover of the club," according to the SCOTSMAN. The jury returned a majority verdict after a six-week trial at the High Court in Glasgow. Whyte was accused of "acquiring Rangers by fraud" in May '11. He denied the charge, and another under the Companies Act. As he left the court building, he said, "I'm just delighted with the outcome." The prosecution had alleged the 46-year-old "did not have authority over the funds used in the takeover" and "induced" the Murray Group to sell, but defense QC Donald Findlay described Whyte as "the fall guy" in the case. After "just two hours of deliberations," the jury of eight men and seven women returned to court and delivered a not guilty verdict on both charges (SCOTSMAN, 6/6). The BBC reported after the verdict, Judge Valerie Stacey told Whyte, "You have been acquitted and are free to leave the dock." He thanked the judge and jury before leaving the courtroom. Prosecutors had alleged that Whyte "pretended" to former Rangers Owner David Murray, and others, that funds were available to make all required payments. The second charge under the Companies Act centered on the £18M payment between Whyte's Wavetower company and Rangers to "clear a bank debt." Findlay earlier told the jury that Whyte had been made to look like a "pantomime villain" (BBC, 6/6).
