A CASE against a man already in prison for breaching an Asbo has been dropped.

Lee McCarthy, 38, of St George's Road, Watford, was jailed for 12 months in February for breaching the conditions of an Asbo imposed in September last year.

McCarthy, who has numerous previous convictions, was due to stand trial for a public order offence and threatening to damage property in May 2006.

However at Hemel Hempstead Magistrates Court on Friday prosecutor Yasmeen Malik said the crown would not pursue the allegation, as it was not in the public interest, and the case was dropped.

Giving reasons to the magistrates, she said: "There has been a development regarding the defendant and therefore we offer no evidence on both charges.

"The crown has taken the view that a conviction would add very little to the sentence received last month."