Riots girl cleared of rickshaw attack

A former Olympic ambassador whose mother reported her to the police for taking part in the London riots was today cleared of attacking a rickshaw driver after the victim failed to appear in court.

Chelsea Ives, 18, of Leytonstone, was due to appear at Wood Green crown court for trial, alongside co-defendant Chantelle Harris, 18, accused of assaulting rickshaw driver Uzeyir Guler after refusing to pay a £20 fare on May 11 in the West End. However, the court heard the alleged victim had returned to his native Turkey and had difficulties obtaining a visa to return to the UK. He was also due to start national service.

Judge Sean Lyons ordered Ives and Harris to be found not guilty of common assault. Ives was cleared of making off without paying the fare. She was remanded in custody to be sentenced at a later date for her part in the riots. Harris, who had previously admitted making off without paying the fare was fined £65.