Murder case of Wolverhampton man is dropped due to lack of evidence
The charges against a man accused of murdering a 48-year-old man in a Wolverhampton street have been dropped - meaning he has been cleared of any offence.
Nicholas Cope was found collapsed and in a state of cardiac arrest in Newhampton Road East in Whitmore Reans at around 6pm on November 8 and died a short time later despite the efforts of medical teams to save him. He was discovered near shops at the junction with Kingsland Road.
During the investigation Alexander Turner, aged 32, was arrested and charged with murder and manslaughter in relation to allegations that Mr Cope had been deliberately harmed. A trial due to be held next month will no longer go ahead after he was found not guilty of both counts.
At a hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday (August 29) trial prosecutor Mr Peter Glenser KC said there was no "realistic prospect" of a conviction following concerns about the lack of evidence in the case.
Mr Glenser said: "On November 8 last year the ambulance service was called to an address where they found Nicholas Cope, a 48-year-old man dead at the scene. an examination revealed he had bruises on his jawline consistent with a punch and a linear laceration on the head consistent with him hitting the kerb.
"The defendant was charged with murder and manslaughter."
"It became apparent that that there was no evidence at all of an intention to cause really serious harm let alone an intention to kill."
He said the defendant, who had denied the allegations, had maintained that he was "acting in self defence". Mr Glenser said there were no eyewitnesses and no CCTV footage to what exactly happened.
"I must offer no evidence on both counts," Mr Glenser said. He added that the family the deceased man had been informed of the outcome earlier today.
Judge Michael Chambers KC said: "This incident has led to the tragic death of the deceased and the defendant facing grave charges."
"I direct that not guilty verdicts be entered."
The judge added: "As far as you are concerned Mr Turner that is the end of the matter and you will be released shortly."
Turner, who appeared via prison video link, replied: "Thank you." He has been on remand in custody since his arrest.
