A man accused of causing grievous bodily harm to a woman walked free from court “without a stain” on his character after the prosecution offered no evidence.

Jason Knapton, 36, of Town Lane, Thackley, Bradford, had pleaded not guilty to wounding with intent and an alternative charge of causing grievous bodily harm to Eleanor Peacock in March last year.

But prosecutor Martin Haigh said the complainant and a witness had both been drinking and there were issues over the reliability of their evidence and neither wanted to come to court.

He added: “The Crown Prosecution Service and the police have taken the view there is no further mileage in pursuing this case and I am instructed to offer no evidence.”

Mr Knapton’s barrister, Jayne Beckett, said her client was grateful to the police officer in the case.

The Recorder of Bradford, Judge James Stewart QC, directed that Mr Knapton be found not guilty.