Star's ex-agent cleared

Mr Nyland was Tomlinson's agent until October 2002

The former agent of TV star Ricky Tomlinson has been cleared by a court of trying to steal £26,000 from the actor.

Patrick Nyland, from Greater Manchester, walked free from Preston Crown Court on Monday after no evidence was presented against him.

It is now expected the case - which involved a TV advertisement in which Mr Tomlinson was to star - will be pursued through the civil courts.

Proceedings were dropped after it emerged police disclosed evidence to Mr Tomlinson's solicitor, which was described as an "irregularity".

Outside the court, following the hearing, Mr Tomlinson said: "Once again, due to a technicality, this case is being referred to the civil courts. We will just have to wait and see."

Prosecuting barrister David Owen had brought the matter to the court's attention and said the police's decision was a mistake.

Mr Owen then said he was not going to present any evidence against Mr Nyland, 59, from Heaton Chapel, Stockport.

Mr Nyland, who was Mr Tomlinson's agent for eight years until the pair parted company last October, refused to comment as he left court.