Depending which translation you read, initially Pilate found Jesus innocent of the various charges raised by the priests. Pilate was reluctant to take action and tried to send the problem to Herod, who refused the hospital pass. Pilate then interviewed Jesus again (after a scourging) and pointed out that Pilate had the power to spare him, if only Jesus would help himself; but Jesus did not take the hook. I do not believe the evidence supports the claim that the Romans wanted to get rid of Jesus because he was opposing them. Of course, that "evidence" isn't much use for people who automatically discount the Bible. ;-)