A LODGER accused of stealing from his elderly landlady has been cleared by a judge at Worcester Crown Court.

Scott Jauncey, 29, of Biset Avenue, Kidderminster, denied the theft of £60 and a fleece jacket from Mrs Sylvia Gardner on October 15 last year.

On the day he was due to face trial by jury, prosecutor Michael Aspinall told the court that Mrs Gardner was ill and the Crown was unable to say when the pensioner would be fit enough to give evidence.

Judge John Cavell gave the defendant a not guilty verdict and discharged him from the dock.