A man accused of rape and strangulation allegedly committed in Swindon has had his case discontinued.

Court documents record the case that has been ongoing since early last year as "case discontinued".

Ryan Gray, 41, of Cunnery Road, Shropshire, did not appear at Swindon Crown Court today, September 13, 2024 as initially scheduled. 

It follows an appearance at Swindon Magistrates’ Court last month when he was released on conditional bail.

He had been charged with the alleged rape of a woman aged 16 or over and intentional strangulation - which both date from between February 1 and 28, 2023.

But he did not enter a plea on that day. 

The CPS website advises: “Discontinuance avoids the need for a court hearing and the unnecessary attendance of the parties.

“It enables a defendant in custody to be released immediately without the need to wait until the next hearing.”

Reasons for discontinuance include lack of evidence, unrealistic conviction prospects or issues with witnesses.