Fed: Unknown person put ecstasy tablet in my jeans, says Johns

AAP General News (Australia)
08-30-2007
Fed: Unknown person put ecstasy tablet in my jeans, says Johns

SYDNEY, Aug 30 AAP - Australian rugby league great Andrew Johns says the ecstasy tablet
he was caught with in London was pushed into a pocket of his jeans at a crowded club by
an "unknown" person.

Johns today confirmed he was issued with a caution for possession of an ecstasy tablet
in London on Sunday.

Johns was arrested but not charged by British transport police, who apparently were
conducting a routine search at underground railway stations following the annual Notting
Hill Carnival, a statement from Johns' management The Fordham Company said.

"Following an interview with police he was told the misdemeanour did not warrant being
charged and instead was given an official caution," the statement said.

"Johns said today he recalled an unknown person pushing a tablet into his jeans at
a crowded entertainment venue last Sunday - his last day in the United Kingdom following
a six weeks overseas holiday."

In the statement, Johns said: "I was having such a good time, seeing it was the last
day before I flew home.

"I stupidly forget about the tablet and instead of getting rid of it I left myself
in a situation I soon deeply regretted.

"I have been a very foolish person and realise I have brought great disappointment
to my family, friends and many people, including lots of youngsters who have looked up
to me over the years. It has left a black mark on my reputation which I will work very
hard at erasing".

Johns was one of 206 people arrested for drugs possession in London over the British
holiday weekend.

A British Transport Police spokeswoman said in a statement late last night: "A man
in his 30s was arrested and cautioned for possession of an ecstasy tablet following a
routine police operation at King's Cross underground station at 4.20pm on Sunday, 26th
of August."

In Britain a formal, or "simple", caution is not a criminal conviction.

However it is recorded on the police database and may be considered in court if a person
is tried for another offence, the UK Home Office says on its website.

"If you are given a simple caution you will be officially warned about the unacceptability
of your behaviour, and the likely consequences if you commit any further crimes will be
explained to you," the website says.

Johns, who was forced out of the game in April by a recurring neck injury, has been
holidaying in Europe and the UK.

He and injured Brisbane Broncos skipper Darren Lockyer were guests at the Challenge
Cup final between St Helens and Catalans at Wembley Stadium the day before his arrest.

He had been in London for a few weeks and had accepted an invitation by former Newcastle
Knights player Billy Peden to pass on his tactical and kicking knowledge at the Harlequins
Rugby League Club.

Johns has also been working with the Wallabies ahead of the World Cup.

AAP dpb/jlw/sp

KEYWORD: JOHNS SECOND LEAD

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