PROSECUTORS dropped charges against a former inmate accused of assaulting a prison guard.

Robbie Deacon, 30, was charged with assaulting the gaoler at HMP Bullingdon by beating him.

The assault was said to have been committed on April 14 last year at the Oxfordshire prison.

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Appearing before Oxford Crown Court on Monday morning, Deacon, formerly of HMP Portland, pleaded not guilty to the single allegation of assaulting an emergency worker.

Cathy Olliver, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “The Crown after a review of recent evidence have decided not to proceed with this matter.”

The nature of the new evidence was not given in open court.

Judge Nigel Daly entered a formal not guilty verdict.

Deacon gave the court a thumbs up as he walked from the dock.

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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @t_seaward