A MAN who was accused of burgling offices at an organic farm has had the charge against him dropped as he is already serving a lengthy jail term.

John Jones was said to have been involved in the raid on the building in the village of Bishopstone in December 2015.

But after a court heard that he was jailed for two-and-a-half years earlier this summer, prosecutors said they would not continue with the case.

Jones, of Brackley, Northamptonshire, said ‘absolutely not guilty’ when the charge was put to him by videolink to Woodhill prison near Milton Keynes.

Colin Meeke, for the Crown, said “He is serving 30 months for dwelling house burglary imposed at Nottingham Crown Court in August.

“A commercial burglary like this: it is not in the public interest to try it,” he told Swindon Crown Court

After he offered no evidence and Judge Tim Mousley QC recorded a formal not guilty verdict, which is the same as if he were cleared by a jury.

And as the case was dismissed 41-year-old Jones, who has a long history of burglary, said ‘Thank you, sorry to take up your time’.

An earlier hearing was told that he was arrested after a tyre lever with his DNA on it was found on the farm manager’s desk.

Raiders made off with £50 worth of stamps and £80 in cash during the alleged night time raid at Eastbrook Farm office on Cues Lane, Bishopstone.

Paul Webb, representing Jones, said his client could not explain how the iron bar with a forensic link to him was found.

It was suggested that it may have been touched by the defendant before being used by another raider.