Stretton assault case dismissed by magistrates (From Northwich Guardian)

Stretton assault case dismissed by magistrates

9:05am Tuesday 19th February 2013 in News

THE case of a man charged with assaulting a man at a pub in Stretton has been dismissed by magistrates.

Colin Ahmed, of Tenby Road, Oldham, was charged with assaulting a man at the Hollow Tree Pub on Tarporley Road on September 17, 2012.

The 44-year-old appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Friday after pleading not guilty to the offence on January 2.

However, the witness - also the victim of the alleged assault - failed to appear at court to give evidence.

The prosecution said: “We received information yesterday from witness care that they have not been able to contact the victim.

“His work address was the only address they had for him and they have no forwarding address.

“He isn’t here. We have no evidence to offer.”

Following the revelation, the magistrates said there was ‘no case to answer’ and that it was ‘dismissed’.

Ahmed is also charged with setting fire to a flat above the Spar shop in Wincham on September 16, 2012, causing £12,435.55 worth of damage.

On his first apperance at Chester Magistrates Court on January 2, Ahmed did not enter a plea.

He will appear at Chester Crown Court on April 29.