A MURDER charge against the man police accused of killing Preston student Janet Murgatroyd has been discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Andrew Philip Greenwood, of The Maltings, Lower Penwortham, had been charged on August 2, this year, with the murder of 20-year-old Janet, whose battered body was found dumped on the banks of the River Ribble three years ago.

Police say that, after lengthy consideration of the evidence, the CPS accepts that "there is a prima facie case, and more than a bare prima facie case, against Greenwood but it does not meet CPS guidelines." Detective Superintendent Graham Gooch said: "We are very disappointed by the decision of the CPS. Our view is that this is eminently a question for a jury and should have been left to a jury to make a decision. We are also surprised that the CPS made the decision without the benefit of advice from leading counsel."

A spokesman for the CPS said there was no forensic evidence to link Mr Greenwood with the crime.

He added: "Statements made by Mr Greenwood to the police have been carefully scrutinised against other evidence in the case and significant inconsistencies emerged.

"After thorough consideration the CPS has decided there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.

"We are as anxious as the police to see progress made in this horrific case, but the CPS cannot proceed unless the evidential test is passed."

Andrew's solicitor John O'Donnell said: "Andrew Greenwood denies emphatically any involvement in the murder of Janet Murgatroyd. There is not a shred of independent evidence against him."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.