A former Slough councillor charged with threatening to kill his wife has walked from court a free man.
Rakesh Pabbi, 60, of Colnbrook, had the charge against dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on Tuesday when witnesses - including his wife - withdrew their statements.
He said: “This has been a great strain and I want to return to my home and normal family life.”
Bracknell magistrates urged the police and CPS to drop the charges once it became clear that Mrs Praveen Pabbi, 60, would not give evidence against her husband.
The court issued a warrant for her arrest when she failed to attend court on Monday and Tuesday, but the warrant was also withdrawn when the police said they could not locate her.
Mr Pabbi added: “The divorce petition is also being withdrawn. We will have a family meeting to discuss reconciliation.
“I knew the charge would not stand up in court. I have never threatened to harm a hair on her head.”
The CPS confirmed that a protective screen had been ordered for the protection of Mrs Pabbi had she given evidence.
Bracknell magistrates confirmed that the case was dropped because no evidence had been offered.
Thames Valley Police will start an investigation into why the case was brought in the first place.
See tomorrow's Slough Express for the full story.
