A MAN currently on remand in prison, in relation to charges of strangling and suffocating a woman in Powys, is set to be released after multiple charges against him were dropped.

Zak Stocker, 29, appeared from prison via videolink at Mold Crown Court on Friday, November 22, where all six charges against him were discharged by the prosecution and Judge Rhys Rowlands.

Stocker, from the Leominster area but of no fixed abode, was before the court in relation to charges of strangulation, suffocation and assault.

It is alleged he committed all offences in Caersws over two days in October.

Stocker was accused of strangling and assault, as well as criminal damage to a bedroom wall and a car windscreen, on October 16. It was also said he suffocated and assaulted her on October 20.

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Stocker, on remand at HMP Berwyn in Wrexham, entered not guilty pleas to 5 of the charges before Judge Rowlands, but admitted damaging the car windscreen.

Stocker, unrepresented, told the judge: “The only reason I’m in here is because I have no place to go.

“I was beaten up by two lads, held at knife point and assaulted with knuckle dusters. I told the police all this but nothing was taken further and I’m the one in here, because of lies.”

Judge Rowlands advised him to change his plea to not guilty on the car damage charge, and when he did, he was told the prosecution were offering no evidence to all counts.

Judge Rowlands told Stocker the case against him was now discharged.