Keanu Reeves cleared of assault charges

London, Sept 24 : A Los Angeles judge has ruled out charges of assault and battery filed against Keanu Reeves by a paparazzi who claimed that the Hollywood star intentionally hit him with his car.

Male photographer Alison Silva claimed that he was struck by 'The Matrix' star's Porsche while snapping him in March 2007, thus causing serious injuries.

"There was no evidence of the slightest contact or the slightest touching," BBC quoted judge Elizabeth Grimes, as saying.

Silva could not seek punitive damages against the actor, the judge ruled.

She said that the Hollywood star did not act maliciously as he moved his car forward to leave a parking space.

The actor's lawyers argued in court documents that Silva placed his hand on Reeves' car and tripped over his own feet.

Silva will continue with a negligence claim against the actor, which will go to trial in October, said his lawyer Joseph Farzam.

"Mr Silva is still entitled to fully recover his damages for the injuries he sustained," he said.

"It's much easier to prove that someone was being careless than to prove that Mr Reeves intended to harm Mr Silva," he added.

He said Silva suffered a broken wrist when he fell, and could remain partially disabled.

Reeves, who was not in court for the ruling, said in a sworn statement that he did not try to harm the photographer.

ANI