Overview

• The Crown Prosecution Service withdrew the theft charge against Parviz Jafari at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on September 3.
• Prosecutor Ms Parnell told District Judge David Wain there was no realistic prospect of conviction because the Crown could not prove dishonesty.
• The court was told a security guard had granted Jafari permission to take flowers from the Broad Street memorial.
• Jafari, 45, of West Bromwich, spoke only to confirm his details during a brief hearing before the judge told him he was free to go.
• Police had arrested Jafari on August 2 after a report of an alleged theft from tributes placed near the Black Sabbath bench and mural.