A disabled ex-Serviceman, who was arrested after rushing to the aid of a screaming woman and baby, has had the case against him dropped.

Stephen Beerling, a Maidstone Liberal Democrat councillor, was arrested on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon after police spotted a collapsible truncheon in his back pocket.

He had it with him in case he needed to protect himself after going to help police deal with a disturbance near his home in Maidstone.

But he says he would do it all again.

Mr Beerling, who had his leg amputated in March 2004 after he was injured while serving in the Royal Navy, said: “I could not have stood by and let it go.”

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.

“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 Friday's Kent Messenger.