Armed robbery trial collapses
The trial of a west Cumbrian man accused of carrying out an armed robbery has collapsed.
Nathanial Rudd, 27, of Cleator Moor had been standing trial at Carlisle Crown Court, accused of attempting to rob Judith and Tracey Sproat and threatening them with a kitchen knife on the morning of February 9.
However this morning, on day three of the trial, Judge Peter Hughes QC said the case could not continue.
He said issues had arisen with the evidence offered on behalf of the prosecution.
Mr Rudd had always denied both offences.
Judge Hughes directed the jury to return a not guilty verdict against Mr Rudd.
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