Liam Stanton’s trial was due to start at Leeds Crown Court on Wednesday, but the prosecution said it could offer no evidence.

The court heard how there were discrepancies over what was alleged to have been stolen from Topman on November 2 last year and a main witness could not attend the trial because they were in Crete.

Prosecutor ?, said: “We do not know why he is there at this time. The expense of flying him back to give evidence would not be justified in a case of shoplifting. I offer no evidence.”

When he appeared at Wakefield Magistrates’ Court last year accused of taking a £28 shirt the 19-year-old elected to have a trial by jury. His case was formally committed to Leeds Crown Court by District Judge Jonathan Bennett in February.

Speaking after Wednesday’s hearing, Mr Stanton, of Chantry Road, Lupset, said he was relieved it was all over.

He said he had handed in his notice to the police last weekend, and that he had been on suspension with full pay, throughout the case, but ‘had lost interest in the job after what happened’.

Judge Ian Dobkin recorded a not guilty verdict.