A COUPLE accused of stealing about £300,000 from the man's father have been cleared.
Raymond Whipp, 69, and his 67-year-old wife Janet Whipp were charged with 39 counts of theft from Clifford Whipp.
The alleged offences were said to have taken place in 2009.
The pair, of Lyon Road, Steeton, West Yorkshire, had denied the allegations and had been due to face trial on Monday.
However, prosecutor Peter Warne said the Crown had felt the need to reassess the evidence in the case and offered no evidence against the coupl, at Burnley Crown Court.
Judge Beverley Lunt recorded not guilty verdicts on all counts for both defendants.
She told Mr Warne: “It's a complex case.
“It's become very complicated.
“Under the circumstances, I approve of the course you have taken.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article