A KIDNAP charge against a Dundalk man was not proceeded with at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin yesterday after the court heard that a key prosecution witness was unavailable.
State counsel Mr Peter Charleton SC was granted a nolle prosequi in the case of Mr Stephen Boyle (26), of Grange Close, Muirhevnamore, who was charged with falsely imprisoning Mr Seamus Cudden (18), at Carrstown, Drogheda, on May 30th last year. Mr Charleton said the State might re-enter the matter if Mr Cudden becomes available.
This was the third trial date.
Det Garda Joseph Carley said Mr Cudden had spoken of threats made against him if he gave evidence. Gardai had no idea where Mr Cudden was despite the court issuing a bench warrant for his arrest.