UPDATE: The Crown Prosecution Service stopped proceedings against the defendant, Joe Martin, on 7 November 2025.
In a notice of discontinuance sent to Salisbury Crown Court, a CPS prosecutor wrote: “I write to give you notice under Section 23A Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 that I do not intend the proceedings against the above named to be continued.
“The reason for my decision is that there is not enough evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction but please note it is anticipated further evidence may become available in the near future as a result of which the prosecution may well start again.
“I have notified the accused of this decision.”
A Melksham man is accused of stalking and thrice assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
27-year-old Joe Martin appeared at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on 7 October, having been remanded in police custody following his arrest.
The defendant, of Lavender Close, was charged with two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault by beating and stalking.
The alleged offending – against his ex-girlfriend – is said to have occurred between 13 September and 5 October this year.
The case was deemed too serious to be dealt with by a magistrates court, with the case sent to Salisbury Crown Court for a plea hearing on 7 November.
Crown prosecutor Tom Power called for Martin to be remanded into prison ahead of the near hearing – but he was released on bail by the bench.
Conditions of his bail include that he must be at home between 8.30pm and 5.30am daily, which is monitored by a GPS tag.
He must not enter any address known to be, or suspected to be, the residence of the alleged victim, and is prohibited from contacting her directly or indirectly.
