A SHOP worker from Dilton Marsh accused of burgling the village store where he worked has had the charges against him dropped.

Phillip Anderson, of Petticoat Lane, was accused of breaking into the Spar shop in Dilton Marsh in August 2005.

Anderson, 25, no longer faces the charge after Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence against him at Swindon Crown Court on Monday.

Colin Meeke, prosecuting, said "Last week came information from witness care that two witnesses are less than prepared to give evidence and a crucial witness can't be traced.

"I have considered whether to apply for witness summons and decided not. The missing witness is key to the Crown's case."

Judge Tom Longbotham formally recorded a not guilty verdict meaning Anderson, who was not in court, has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

Anderson, who worked at the shop from March to August last year, was accused of taking £265 cash in the raid after the shop had closed for business at 8pm.