A disabled ex-serviceman, who was arrested after rushing to the aid of a screaming woman and baby, has hit out after his charge was thrown out of court.

Stephen Beerling, who is also a Liberal Democrat councillor on Maidstone council, was furious after being arrested on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon after helping police deal with a disturbance near his home.

He was locked up at Maidstone police station for 12 hours while police quizzed him.

However, on Wednesday , two days before the case was due back in court, Mr Beerling received a call to say the case had been dropped due to lack of evidence.

He said: “I am relieved but very disappointed that it even came to this.

“I would do exactly the same thing again. I could not have stood by and let it go as the consequences of what could have happened, had I not intervened, do not bear thinking about.”

In a joint statement, Maidstone Borough Commander, Chief Inspector Tony Henley, and Senior Crown Prosecutor Janet Garnon-Williams said: ''Police officers lawfully arrested Mr Beerling for possessing an offensive weapon.

“However, a decision has now been taken jointly between CPS and police to discontinue the case, as there is not a realistic prospect of conviction.”

For the full story, see this week's Kent Messenger - out today.