A man accused of assaulting another man had the charge dropped and the case dismissed when the complainant failed to turn up at court.

Stewart Walton, 31, of Percy Street, Woodhouse, Keighley, was due to face trial at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

But Deputy District Judge Nick Hayles dismissed the case when the alleged victim, Clifford Westfall, and his girlfriend failed to appear to give evidence.

Mr Walton had denied the charge and said they were malicious allegations.

Prosecutor Abdul Shakoor applied for an adjournment, which was opposed by Mr Walton’s solicitor, Ismael Uddin.

The Deputy District Judge refused the prosecution application.