An Irish student who pasted Mr Bill Gates with a custard pie was released from police custody yesterday after the computer magnate decided not to press charges.

Mr Brian Keegan (29) was arrested on Wednesday for his role in the ambush that left Mr Gates dripping with fresh cream. A French woman who was arrested for filming the incident was also released without charge.

Belgian law classifies custard pie throwing as a minor offence but Mr Keegan, a languages student from Dublin, could nevertheless have faced a hefty fine if Mr Gates had not accepted his humiliation in good spirit. Wednesday's prank was the most spectacular yet to be orchestrated by Mr Noel Godin, the Belgian custard pie king who specialises in pasting celebrities who take themselves a little too seriously. The joker's previous victims have included the avant-garde film director, Jean-Luc Godard and French philosopher, Bernard-Henri Levy. --(AFP) See picture, page 12