Photos reveal Johnny Depp's surprising act hours before Amber Heard verdict

Photos have emerged of actor Johnny Depp just hours before the verdict of his defamation case with Amber Heard was handed down.

After six weeks of evidence and roughly 13 hours of deliberation, jurors returned a verdict in favour of Depp on Wednesday local time, awarding him $US10.35 million.

Hours before the verdict was handed down, Depp appeared relaxed while visiting a small pub in the UK town of Newcastle with musician Sam Fender.

The Hollywood star ordered a humble meal of fish and chips at The Bridge Tavern in Quayside. People were stunned to see the actor, who asked pub staff about the Tyne Bridge and greeted unexpected fans.

The Bridge Tavern general manager, Janine Latchford, told Chronicle Live the A-lister was acting "quite cool" right before the verdict but said he did not want anyone to see who he was.

"We gave him private space and he was the loveliest man I have ever seen in my life," she said.

"My assistant is heavily pregnant and he was telling her how beautiful being a parent was. He was really down to earth, he was lovely.

"He was incredible. He gave me a hug and I told him that I loved him pretty much as soon as I saw him! He loved the artwork and he was asking questions about the Tyne Bridge. He said he'd never been to Newcastle before.

"He was having fish and chips, he said the food was amazing."

'The jury gave me my life back'

Depp sued Heard for $A69million over an article published in The Washington Post titled: "I spoke up against sexual violence – and face our culture's wrath. That has to change'.

The article does not mention Depp by name, yet his lawyers said it falsely implied he physically and sexually abused Ms Heard while they were together.

In a statement, Depp promised fans that "the best is yet to come and a new chapter has finally begun".

"Six years ago, my life, the life of my children, the lives of those closest to me, and also, the lives of the people who for many, many years have supported and believed in me were forever changed," he said

"All in the blink of an eye.

"And six years later, the jury gave me my life back. I am truly humbled."

"I feel at peace knowing I have finally accomplished that."

Amber Heard 'heartbroken by verdict'

Ms Heard, who was present, looked downcast as the ruling was read out by the judge.

But the actress was awarded $US2 million in damages after her counterclaim against Mr Depp over comments made by his lawyer Adam Waldman, who allegedly referred to her abuse claims as a "hoax", was also found to be defamatory.

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Following the verdict, the actress said she was "heartbroken" but "even more disappointed with what this verdict means for other women".

"I'm heartbroken that the mountain of evidence still was not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence, and sway of my ex-husband.

"I'm even more disappointed with what this verdict means for other women."

Ms Heard said the verdict "sets back the clock to a time when a woman who spoke up and spoke out could be publicly shamed and humiliated".

with AAP

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