THIRTEEN charges against a Llanfyrnach arising out of acrimonious divorce have been dropped.
Oliver Chaplin, aged 65, of Gerwant, appeared at Swansea crown court today for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
He denied burgling Plasywennol, Llanfyrnach, his former matrimonial home, on three occasions, causing criminal damage at the property on seven occasions, damaging three tyres on a Toyota Yaris and stealing letters.
James Hartson, prosecuting, said no evidence would be offered against Chaplin and Judge Peter Heywood entered formal verdicts of not guilty.
Judge Heywood said it “beggared belief” that the prosecution was brought in the first place.
The Crown Prosecution Service, he said, had a duty to consider whether a prosecution was in the public interest.
“This case was never going to proceed,” he added. “It has been a waste of time and public money.”
Judge Heywood awarded Chaplin costs out of public funds.
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