Jay Blades: BBC host's driving charge thrown out

BBC Repair Shop host Jay Blades, who had been accused of using his mobile phone while driving, has had the charge thrown out.

The 54-year-old appeared for a two-minute hearing at Cannock Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, which was sitting in Walsall.

He had previously pleaded not guilty to the offence, which was alleged to have been committed in Wombourne, Staffordshire, on 2 April.

At the hearing Mr Blades, from Claverley, Shropshire, said his plea had not changed before prosecutor Zulqarnain Saeed confirmed the Crown Prosecution Service was offering no evidence.

Mr Saeed said the police officer who was due to give evidence had been "unavailable" and so the case would not proceed.

Magistrate Neil Ravenscroft then told Mr Blades the matter was dismissed and told him he was free to go.

The presenter is also facing a charge of controlling and coercive behaviour against his estranged wife Lisa Zbozen.

The accusation was made after West Mercia Police launched an investigation when officers were contacted on 3 May.

Ms Zbozen had posted a message on Instagram the day before, saying the couple's 18-month marriage had ended.

In relation to these charges, Mr Blades appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Following the hearing, he was bailed and is due to appear at Worcester Crown Court on 11 October.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on Twitter to get the latest alerts.