 Keith Knowles had his convictions quashed on appeal |
The former director of a leading boys' school choir found guilty of child pornography offences has had his convictions quashed on appeal. Keith Knowles was in charge of the Catholic Saint Francis Xavier College Boys' Choir in Liverpool, which twice sang for Pope John Paul II.
Convictions for 14 pornography-related offences in November 2006 were quashed on appeal at Liverpool Crown Court.
Mr Knowles paid tribute to "wonderful" friends and said justice had been done.
Mr Knowles, of Aigburth, was suspended from his post following his arrest in December 2005.
 |  I've been very fortunate to have so many wonderful friends |
Speaking after his successful appeal, he said: "After 19 horrific months for me and my family, in which I was portrayed almost as a paedophile, at last, justice has been done."
Keith Knowles was feted for his role as choirmaster when the boys sang the England's football anthem All Together Now at Euro 2004 and later sang for the Pope.
Mr Knowles said: "Five hundred and sixty-nine days it was in total and on every single one of those days you think about it all the time.
"I've been very fortunate to have so many wonderful friends who've supported me."
The College said it did not expect him to reapply for his old job and at present had no plans to set up a meeting.
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
