A COUNCILLOR who was facing trial for assaulting a woman has seen the case against him dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Councillor Mark Chatburn, who represents Yarm on Stockton Borough Council as well as being a member of Yarm Town Council, was due to appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on December 18 in relation to an alleged altercation on July 24.

Councillor Chatburn had always denied the allegation and had pleaded not guilty to the charge in September.

Speaking after learning the charge against him had been dropped, the councillor said: “Although the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service comes as no surprise, it is a relief to finally have this matter put to bed.

“Whilst I have received a great deal of support from residents and colleagues, for which I am very grateful, it has been obviously been a very stressful time for my family and friends.”

He had been suspended from the Conservative group on Stockton Borough Council but is expecting that he will now be reinstated.