A Kidderminster man has been acquitted on two burglary charges after a court heard that prosecution witnesses were reluctant to give evidence.

Not guilty verdicts were recorded at Worcester Crown Court against 20-year-old Paul Carpenter, of Offmore Road, Kidderminster.

He had denied charges of breaking into homes in Thursfield Court, Kidderminster, and The Slad, Wilden, Stourport, and stealing electrical equipment and jewellery.

Mr Richard Ace, prosecuting, said one of the main witnesses had told police she could not get to court and had then switched off her mobile phone. "She is clearly giving the police the run around," he said. Other witnesses had also said they did not want to give evidence.

Judge John Cavell said that even if he adjourned the case, there was no guarantee the witnesses would attend. "It's a sad day when witnesses are giving the police and the prosecution the run around," he said. "That is the picture being presented to the court."