A Sussex police officer charged with misuse of public office in connection with the shooting of James Ashley has been cleared.
PC Robert Shoesmith, 38, was cleared at the Old Bailey yesterday after the prosecution offered no evidence.
A formal verdict of not guilty was entered by Mrs Justice Rafferty, who awarded Mr Shoesmith his costs.
James Ashley, 39, was shot dead during a police raid on a flat in Western Road, St Leonards, on January 15 1998.
Four Sussex officers were later charged with the offence of misuse of public office in connection with the planning of an operation to arrest Mr Ashley.
The three other officers still face the same charge.
Nigel Sweeney, QC, prosecuting, told the Old Bailey that the prosecution was "offering no further evidence in the case of Mr Shoesmith because it is no longer confident there is a realistic prospect of conviction".
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