Repair Shop star Jay Blades has charge of using mobile phone while driving dismissed

BBC presenter Jay Blades has had a charge of using his mobile phone while driving dismissed because a police officer due to give evidence was not able to attend court.

The Repair Shop star, 54, was accused of using a handheld mobile device while driving his Land Rover in Millfields Way in Wombourne, Staffordshire, on 2 April.

The presenter, from Claverley near Wolverhampton, spoke to confirm his not guilty plea to the charge at Walsall Magistrates' Court today.

Prosecutor Zulqarnain Saeed then said the Crown was offering no evidence.

He said the police officer who was due to give evidence was "unavailable" and therefore the case would not proceed.

Magistrate Neil Ravenscroft told Blades, who stood at the back of the court with his hands behind his back: "The matter will be dismissed and you are free to go."

Blades replied "thank you, sir" before leaving the courtroom.

He is facing separate court proceedings after being charged with engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards his wife.

Blades will appear at Worcester Crown Court next month to enter a plea.