Farmer Brian Hagan denied breaching an Asbo

Arthur Balls said the Crown Prosecution Service had decided there was not enough evidence against Brian Hagan.

But the Norfolk farmer, 62, is still the subject of an Asbo, and will appear before magistrates at a later date.

The order was first granted when the farmer's pigs repeatedly roamed free and damaged neighbouring property.

Asbo hearing

Mr Hagan, from Briston, had opted for a crown court trial over the claims he breached the terms of his temporary Asbo, but Mr Balls said there was no chance of a conviction.

The case to decide if Mr Hagan should be made the subject of a full Asbo is due to be heard on 31 January at Cromer Magistrates' Court.

Mr Balls said on Monday: "I have received notification from the CPS that the proceedings relating to the alleged breach of the order have been discontinued.

"Mr Hagan had been due to appear before magistrates in King's Lynn again tomorrow to hear of developments in the case, but he will not now be doing that."

It is thought to be the first time an Asbo - introduced to counter unruly behaviour - has been imposed on a farmer in a bid to control his animals.