A FORGIVING Skipton man has told the Herald why he dramatically dropped charges against a friend who allegedly subjected him to a violent assault.

Carl Johnson, of York, was facing a maximum sentence of life imprisonment when he appeared before Skipton magistrates on Friday.

But his victim, Ronald Nicholson, station manager of Skipton-based Yorkshire Dales Radio, attended court to instruct the prosecution to withdraw his complaint, leaving magistrates with no choice but to discharge the accused.

The court had heard how 20-year-old Johnson been charged with assault with intent to rob Mr Nicholson at his home in central Skipton in October last year.

Mr Nicholson told the court: "Something happened on October 25 and I made a statement to the police. But I think Carl's getting on his feet and it seems wrong to take that away from him."

After appearing in court Mr Nicholson told the Herald he had known Carl for some years and had become a kind of "uncle figure".

Ron said: "I used to live in Boroughbridge and Carl's aunt and uncle lived a few doors away. When he (Carl) came to stay with them he started to come around and ask if he could clean my car.

"His life at home was not too good to the point where he came to me and asked if he could stay. He saw me as his uncle and someone who listened. And, despite the massive age difference we really get on."

Ron added: "He had just managed to get a job three weeks before he was due to appear. I thought it was so wrong to take it away from him.

"He's only 20, and what chance would he stand in life with a record?

"His birthday was February 18 and I phoned him up to wish him well. We are still good friends and it will stay that way. I am here for him until he gets himself sorted."

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