Wilkinson and Owen called to autograph trial

Feb 5 2008 By Graeme Whitfield

Michael Owen and Jonny Wilkinson could be called as prosecution witnesses in the trial of two men accused of selling fake autographs.

Graeme Walker, 45, owner of Chester-based Sporting Icons, and his former business partner, Faisal Madani, 42, face 74 charges under the Trade Descriptions Act.

The pair are accused of selling a variety of sporting memorabilia items, including shirts and photographs, with faked autographs of the stars.

Walker, of Mountain View Close, Connah’s Quay, Deeside, and Madani, of Grange Road, Stockport, Greater Manchester, deny the charges.

Judge David Hale at Chester Crown Court today selected a jury panel of 18 people who were also told to expect former Newcastle United player Ian Rush, plus Liverpool stars Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher to appear in the witness box.

Final jury selection will take place tomorrow and the trial, which is expected to last six weeks, is due to begin on Thursday.