Man accused of stalking Hurley freed

Hurley failed to provide a statement

Charges have been dropped against a man accused of stalking actress Liz Hurley because of lack of evidence.

Petar Mihajlovic, 32, was arrested outside Hurley's South Kensington home 10 days ago - just hours after the actress had given birth to a son - and was remanded in custody until Friday's hearing.

He appeared at West London Magistrates Court charged under the Prevention of Harassment Act 1997 for harassing Hurley on or before 4 April, 2002, but was released shortly afterwards.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Mihajlovic, who gave his address as Orchid Avenue, Hollywood, California, said he was pleased to be free.

'Adjournments'

A Crown Prosecution Service spokesman said afterwards that the case had been dropped because Hurley had failed to provide a statement to the court.

He said: "We have withdrawn the case on the grounds that there is insufficient evidence to continue.

"We were unable to obtain a statement from Miss Hurley herself, and without that the Crown cannot proceed.

"We have waited for it and there have been numerous adjournments. But we now have no other choice."

Since the birth of her son on 4 April, Hurley, 36, has been staying at the home of her friend pop star Sir Elton John and his partner David Furnish.

'Loyal'

The question of the identity of the baby's father led to a public argument between Hurley and her former boyfriend Steve Bing.

She immediately named the 36-year-old millionaire as the father but he went on to question the paternity, saying their relationship had not been "exclusive".

Hurley countered these allegations, saying she had been "completely loyal and faithful" during their 18-month relationship.

She was said to have expressed hopes that the matter could be resolved without resorting to using lawyers.