Indecent exposure case dropped against ex-AC Milan doctor

AC Milan doctor Armando Gozzini leaves Manchester Crown Court. English prosecutors have dropped charges of indecent exposure against Gozzini after his alleged victim decided not to give evidence.

English prosecutors have dropped charges of indecent exposure against the former team doctor of Italian giants AC Milan after his alleged victim decided not to give evidence.

Armando Gozzini, 45, had pleaded not guilty to exposing himself to a masseuse while staying at a Manchester hotel before his club played Manchester United in the Champions League on February 22.

The case was abandoned after the complainant -- who is protected by anonymity under English law -- discovered a family member had been diagnosed with cancer so was unwilling to give evidence, a court in Manchester was told on Wednesday.

Gozzini, who left the Serie A club at the start of the current season, was bound over for 12 months, meaning he promises to be on good behaviour for a year.

He risks losing up to 500 pounds (732 euros, 863 dollars) if he breaches the peace.

Gozzini's solicitor, Michael Brunskill, said after the hearing: "Dr Gozzini is delighted that the decision has been taken to drop the case.

"He has always maintained his innocence of any wrongdoing and if there had been a trial he would have maintained his innocence throughout.

"He was not guilty of any wrongdoing whatsoever and he is delighted that the case is now over, enabling him to resume his life with no stain on his character."