Another witness also failed to appear in court at this time, claiming she was busy with university studies.

It was the second time witnesses had failed to turn up for Tapping's trial.

The charges were dropped when the chief witness failed to appear in court.

The charge of common assault was dropped on 20 May 2013 after a witness failed to turn up to court.

Other reporters and witnesses in the vicinity also failed to see them.

Some witnesses have failed to appear, and the testimony of others has been less than crystal clear.

The charges were dropped or he was acquitted after witnesses failed to turn up at court.

But witnesses at that time failed to identify him in a lineup, and he was released.

However, the case was dismissed when two witnesses failed to appear.

Two other major witnesses have failed to appear as required, they said.