Ex-world champ Gardner slams Japanese police treatment

Sydney : Australia's former motorcycling world champion Wayne Gardner returned home Saturday, slamming his treatment by Japanese police following his release from jail over an alleged road rage incident.

Gardner, 57, was arrested at the Japan Grand Prix on October 16 after he got involved in an argument with other visitors and was accused of assaulting them, police said.

The Australian said at the time he was only trying to disengage himself from one of the men who had grabbed his body, the Yomiuri Shimbun daily reported.

He was released after almost two weeks in custody on Friday and described his experience as "horrendous."

"I never want to do that again," Gardner told reporters at Sydney airport upon his arrival.

Gardner was jail in Shimotsuke, 100km north of Tokyo, where he said he was questioned by policealmost daily.

"I haven't been able to have any contact with anybody, that's the problem," Gardner said.

"Being locked up in a cell for 12 days with no communication."

Gardner said he paid a A$3000 ($2280) fine for his release on condition of admitting his guilt, according to reports.

"I'm speechless about the whole thing, annoyed. I'm very relieved to see you guys," Gardner said.

"You have no ideas what happens in those situations."

The 1987 500cc world motorcycle champion was visiting Japan to support his teenage son Remy, a rider in the Moto2 class on the world circuit.

He said he had no plans to take the issue further.