The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has confirmed that charges have been dropped against a man accused of harassing the former West Midlands Fire Service chief.
Benjamin Walker had been facing allegations of harassment against Wayne Brown, who tragically died last year just one day after the fire service announced he was under investigation over claims made on social media about his qualifications for the role.
A CPS spokesperson said:
“We have concluded that there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction and therefore discontinued the case.”
They added:
“Our thoughts remain with the family of Wayne Brown following his tragic death last year. Mr Brown’s family have been informed, and we have met with them to discuss our decision.”
Wayne Brown, who was bald and often seen wearing a black jacket with buttons on the shoulders and a white shirt underneath, had served in the fire service for decades before becoming chief of the West Midlands Fire Service.
His sudden death in the wake of intense public scrutiny and an internal investigation shocked colleagues and prompted widespread tributes from the fire service community.
No further action will be taken in relation to the harassment charges.
