A STUDENT who lives near Chipping Norton is among four men who have had rape charges against them dropped. 

James Martin, 20, of Hook Norton Road, denied a single charge of rape at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester in May 2014.

Prosecutors at Gloucester Crown Court dropped the case, stating that no evidence had been made against him or co-accused Thady Duff, 22, Leo Mahon, 22, and Patrick Foster, 22.

The group denied all charges which were alleged to have been committed against the same woman at the Gloucestershire university. 

Prosecutor Fiona Elder said: "There was no longer a reasonable prospect of conviction and therefore in the circumstances it was not for the Crown to pursue this case to trial. 

"The head of the South West Rape and Serious Sexual Offences unit consulted with the complainant and her family to ensure they knew and understood the decision whatever their view of it."

Mr Martin, an amateur jockey from the village of Swerford near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, faced one charge of rape and told the Daily Mail the police investigation had been "devastating".

A jury of six men and six women had been sworn in on March 29 to hear the case but were discharged a week later not having heard any evidence.

The case was delayed because of the late disclosure of evidence. 

Judge Jamie Tabor QC had told the panel that some of the alleged sexual activity had been filmed and they would watch it.

He said: "This case concerns sexual activity on a ball night at the Royal Agricultural University. Some of that was filmed. 

"This is going to be what we call adult pornographic material - very short in length - to be watched."

Duff, of Stubbs Hill Farm, Blunsdon, Swindon, Wiltshire, denied three charges of rape and a charge of sexual assault against the same woman in October 2013.

Mahon, of Lawrence Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, denied three charges of rape and two charges of assault by penetration.

Foster, of Maldon Road, Kelvedon, Colchester, Essex, denied one charge of rape and two charges of assault by penetration.

The internationally-renowned university, which until 2013 was known as the Royal Agricultural College, is widley held as the Oxbridge of agricultural studies.

The defendants made no comment as they left court following the not guilty verdicts.