A man is no longer facing a charge of attempting to murder a woman.

The Crown Prosecution Service has dropped the charge against Jesse Willink, from Harrietsham, near Maidstone, after the alleged victim "withdrew her co-operation".

The 25-year-old, of Water Lane, who had denied attempting to murder Lauren Blake admitted a lesser charge of assault causing her actual bodily harm.

He has appeared at Maidstone Crown Court to also plead guilty to making a threat to kill Robin Blake in April this year.

Prosecutor Martin Yale said that "after a careful review" of the case and "the withdrawal of support for the prosecution by the complainant" the pleas have been accepted.

He told Judge Julian Smith that Ms Blake had made no victim impact statement and "was not engaging with the prosecution".

Willink - who had also denied attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent and assault by beating - was remanded in custody until December 21 for the preparation of a probation report.

Defence barrister Danny Moore said Willink would co-operate with probation and had written a letter to the judge.

The alleged offence took place on April 21 in Water Lane.

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