Romford man cleared of kidnap

A 45-year-old office fitter from Romford accused of kidnap has been cleared.

Robert Gurling, of Linden Street, was found not guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday after the prosecution dropped the case.

Judge Anthony Goldstaub said it was the “correct course” of action.

Two others appearing in the dock, Laurence Payne, 40, a computer programmer of Dereham Place, Romford, and Rhonda Lane, 43, of Markenfield Road, Guildford, were also cleared of assisting an offender after the prosecution again dropped the case.

All three had pleaded not guilty to the charges. When the case came before the judge on Monday it was adjourned after the judge made comments on the position of the prosecution.

Prosecutor Martin Mulgrew told the judge that in the circumstances and in light of his comments, they had decided not to proceed.