JOHN TERRY TRIAL

The charge: Terry will be accused that, "on 23rd October 2011 at Loftus Road football ground you used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress thereby and at the time of doing so, or immediately before doing so, demonstrated hostility towards that person based on his membership or presumed membership of a particular racial group contrary to section 31 (1) (c) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998."

The venue: Westminster Magistrates Court, 181 Marylebone Road, London

The magistrate: Chief Magistrate Howard Riddle

The time and date: Proceedings begin at 10am on 9th July and are scheduled to last five days

Prosecuting counsel: Duncan Penny

Defence counsel: George Carter-Stephenson QC

First witness: Anton Ferdinand, who will be called after the opening speeches on Monday.

Other prosecution witnesses: Six, including Ferdinand. They are four police officers and a lip reading expert. Statements from several other witnesses will be read out to the court as the defence does not wish to challenge their content.

After the prosecution witnesses have been questioned, the defence may ask the magistrate to dismiss the case on the basis that the prosecution case has not been strong enough to answer.

Defence witnesses: Three, in addition to various witness statements to be read out.

Will John Terry testify himself? The defence has yet to say whether or not Terry will stand up in court, but he is not required to do so.

After the defence witnesses have been questioned: Both counsel will present closing arguments.

After closing arguments: The magistrate will normally retire to consider the case before presenting his verdict. Judgement may occasionally be "reserved", with the magistrate later issuing a written decision.

In the event of acquittal: Terry would be fully exonerated.

In the event of a guilty verdict: The maximum penalty is a fine of £2,500, with no question of a stricter sentence. Before issuing the sentence the Chief Magistrate will hear submissions from both prosecution and defence on aggravating or mitigating circumstances that should affect the sentence.