AN Ebbw Vale man has been formerly cleared of a charge of rape after the prosecution decided to call no evidence.

Paul Wilkins, 36, of Bryn Coch, Beaufort, Ebbw Vale, had pleaded not guilty to the charge of rape, falsely imprisoning the alleged victim, and assaulting her by penetration.

Prosecutor Hywel Hughes said no evidence was being offered against Wilkins on those charges and formal verdicts of not guilty were recorded.

Mr Hughes said that he had discussed the evidence with the Crown Prosecution solicitor, the officer in the case and the alleged victim.

The Crown have reviewed the evidence in the light of a second interview with the complainant.

There was he said no prospect of a conviction on those three charges.

Wilkins has pleaded guilty to causing the woman actual bodily harm and to possessing a controlled drug.

The court heard Wilkins had a previous conviction for wounding.

Judge Christopher Llewellyn Jones said the decision to offer no evidence was "absolutely right" and should have been taken along time ago.

Sentence on Wilkins was adjourned for reports and he was remanded on bail until November 7.