Charges dropped against 14 religious group members

Fourteen residents of a religious community who were charged with obstructing police during raids have had the cases against them discontinued.

More than 500 officers took part in raids at three addresses connected to the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Crewe, Cheshire, in April as part of an investigation into alleged sexual abuse, forced marriage and modern slavery.

Twenty four members of the group appeared at South Cheshire Magistrates' Court in June charged with public order offences.

A case management hearing had been due to take place on Tuesday ahead of trials next year, but on Monday a court official confirmed cases against 14 of the defendants had been discontinued.

Prosecutors had alleged residents obstructed officers from getting into rooms at Webb House, the group's headquarters, some by linking arms to try and stop them getting past.

Among those no longer facing a trial is 36-year-old Dareem Charles who pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable and Marc Ferreira, 38, who also pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.

The other defendants will face trial next April.

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