I took free holiday from 'Mr Fixit' admits Owen
FOOTBALLER Michael Owen yesterday admitted accepting a free holiday from an alleged Mr Fixit accused over faked autographs of top sports stars.
The England international told a jury that he took the luxury trip to Dubai - organised by Faisal Madani - with his wife Louise in 2004.
Striker Owen, 28, who earns £120,000 a week at his club Newcastle United, made the admission as he was giving evidence along with his former Liverpool team mate Steven Gerrard against the businessman.
Madani, 43, is accused of cheating fans by supplying shirts and photographs with rogue autographs.
Owen said he met Madani at Liverpool's training ground when he played for the club in 2003. Phil Thompson, then assistant manager, introduced the pair in his office.
He suggested Madani "knew top people in Dubai: and might be able to arrange a free holiday, Owen told the court.
A year later he jetted out on a 10-day trip with his wife and family.
Chester Crown Court heard how Madani was known as the "Man from Dubai" at Liverpool.
He is accused of supplying the sporting memorabilia to businessman Graeme Walker, who then allegedly conned fans by selling the items on the internet and at his Chester store.
Autographs were allegedly faked for footballers including David Beckham, Christiano Ronaldo, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and rugby hero Jonny Wilkinson.
Owen said five items with his "signature" were fakes and Gerrard said a photo of him with the Champions League trophy in 2005 had a fake autograph.
Madani, of Bramhall, near Stockport, Cheshirem denied 20 counts of supplying forgeries.
Walker, of Connah's Quay, North Wales, denies more than 50 counts of cheating customers.
The trial continues.
