Charges dropped against son after father's death

All charges have been dropped against a man who was accused of murdering his father, police have said.

Thomas Collier, who was 79 years old, was found with a head injury at Philip Road in Witham, Essex, in January. He later died in hospital.

His son Jimmy Collier, 42, of Philip Road, was charged with murder, before that was downgraded to a lesser charge in July.

The case has been discontinued after new pathological evidence was provided, which prosecutors felt did not link Mr Collier's death to the incident at the home.

At an inquest opening at Essex Coroner's Court, area coroner Michelle Brown heard Thomas Collier was admitted to hospital with drowsiness and facial bruising on 8 January, with CT scans showing two bleeds on his brain.

On 12 January, his condition deteriorated and he had "a rapid decline in consciousness", Ms Brown said, adding that Mr Collier's condition did not improve and he died at 21:30 GMT.

Ms Brown told the inquest Thomas Collier was allegedly hit in the face by his son but had told police his father received the injuries after falling out of bed.

A murder charge against Mr Collier was downgraded to assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Chelmsford Crown Court, for which he entered no plea.

Essex Police said the case was discontinued after the Crown Prosecution Service [CPS] offered no evidence.

"We know a grieving family are still coming to terms with their loss and our thoughts remain with them at this time," said Det Insp Stewart Eastbrook.

A spokesperson for the CPS said: "Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of Thomas Collier following his death.

"Ahead of trial, we received expert pathological evidence which concluded Mr Collier died of natural causes – with no clear link to the alleged assault several days prior – and a result we decided not to continue with the prosecution."

Any sentence Mr Collier may have received for the alleged assault would have resulted in no further time in custody.

The spokesperson added that it had written to Mr Collier's family to explain its decision and had offered to meet with them.

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