Former Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie: ‘false tax evasion allegations have destroyed my career’

It has been revealed that Peter Storrie, the former chief executive of Portsmouth, was acquitted of tax evasion allegations in October but was unable to reveal so until the cases of Harry Redknapp and Milan Mandaric had been resolved.

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Although he has been proven innocent for four months Storrie the verdict was embargoed to avoid bias in the aforementioned other trial and, as a result, he claims that his life, both in a professional and personal manner, has been drastically affected.

With the claims of cheating the public purse hanging over his head he was unable to restart a career within football, and is now relieved that he is able to prove his innocence and look for a way into the business again.

Storrie told the Guardian about the troubles the trial has caused to him and his family: "For four years I could not tell everyone that I was an innocent man,

 "For 17 years I was held in very high regard in football. At the moment it is impossible for anyone in football to employ me.

“If they Google my name all they can see is this case against me and 'tax fiddle, tax deal and tax fraud'. It is totally impossible for me to get into football until I clear my name.”

He also spoke of the effect it had on his personal life, speaking of an occasion when he and his family were violently confronted outside a football match, an incident which warranted the involvement of the police.

"I left the game with my wife and family. We were approached by half a dozen Southampton supporters yelling into our faces 'tax fraud'. It was horrendous,” he said.

"Clearing my name and ultimately restoring my reputation has come at a heavy price affecting not only me but also my family and friends who rallied around me. I have suffered both mentally and physically at the hands of my accusers.

"For four years it has felt like I was on trial every single day. Although my innocence has been unconditionally established, the lasting damage to my reputation throughout this long ordeal has left a very bitter taste in my mouth."