AS is the pattern nowadays, some people who had reported to the police that they were criminally assaulted by others are now telling the courts that they no longer wish to proceed against the accused.

Last Friday was no exception when a buxom young woman walked into court, took the Bible and swore that she had made a particular report to the police that Mark Forde had done certain things to her; consequently he was charged by the police.
She told Justice James Bovell-Drakes that she no longer wished to proceed against Forde in relation to that report and that her decision to take this course did not stem from inducement, threats nor payment being made to her.
“I have done so on my own free will,” she said.
Because Forde, who earlier had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was under the charge of the jury since then, the judge directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty in his favour.
He was subsequently discharged by the judge. (George Barclay)