EVERTON and Republic of Ireland midfielder James McCarthy has been cleared of speeding.

The Glasgow-born star's trial at the city's Justice of the Peace Court was halted and he was formally acquitted of the alleged offence which dated back to September 2013.

It came after a police witness could not McCarthy in court as the driver of a silver BMW X5 that they said had been clocked speeding in the Broomielaw.

McCarthy, 25, represented by Gordon Jackson QC, was acquitted of the charge by JP David Meek.

Fiscal depute Clara Smeaton closed the case and said the Crown was no longer seeking a conviction in the case involving the former Hamilton Academical player.