A WARRINGTON man has been cleared of causing an XL bully dog to suffer through ‘sexual interaction’.

David House has been acquitted and found not guilty of an accusation of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

The 31-year-old, of Lovely Lane, was alleged to have done so on May 7 this year in Warrington.

Particulars of the charge alleged that he caused unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, namely a registered XL bully named Camo, by ‘some form of sexual interaction with her’.

He appeared before Chester Magistrates’ Court in May for a first appearance in relation to the charge.

No plea was entered and his case was sent by magistrates to Liverpool Crown Court where he was set to appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

However, the case was listed before the crown court for a mention hearing, where the case was formally discontinued.

The decision was confirmed in a statement by district crown prosecutor James Bagby, of the Crown Prosecution Service in Cheshire.

He said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has a duty to keep all cases under review.

“On a further review of this prosecution, a decision was taken that there was not enough evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.

“The case no longer met our legal test, and it was discontinued.

“The accused was notified, and our decision explained to him. “

It was added by the CPS that it applies a two stage legal test considering whether there is enough evidence against the suspect or defendant, and if so, whether it is in the public interest for the CPS to bring the case to court.

A spokesman said: “All our decisions are based solely on consideration of our legal test.”