Teen murder prosecution dropped over lack of evidence

Last year, Ashton Rowbotham's family said their heart was "breaking"

A drug dealer was cleared of murdering a teenager after prosecutors decided there was not enough evidence to put him on trial, the BBC can reveal.

Ashton Rowbotham, 19, died from a stab wound at a tower block in Grays, Essex, in October.

Connor Knight was charged with his murder but the prosecution was dropped last month.

The 21-year-old defendant was instead convicted of drug offences and was jailed on Wednesday for two years and six months.

'Full explanation'

A Crown Prosecution Service spokeswoman said the "evidential material" was "carefully considered".

“After a full review with senior lawyers and prosecution counsel it was concluded that there was not enough evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction and the proceedings were stopped," she said.

“Our thoughts remain with the family [of Mr Rowbotham] and we will offer to meet with them so a full explanation can be provided.”

George Crooks House is one of the towers on the Seabrooke Rise estate in Grays

Essex Police said it attended George Crooks House at about 03:40 BST on 6 October.

The tower is on the Seabrooke Rise estate, off New Road.

Police described the incident as a "disturbance" and a post-mortem examination concluded the victim died from a stab wound to the neck.

In a short statement released at the time, Mr Rowbotham's family said: "Our heart is breaking. You are loved so much. You will always be with us."

Knight had already pleaded not guilty to murder but the charge was withdrawn on 10 May - a month before his trial was due to begin.

However, police said searches of the defendant's address at the time revealed he had a "large amount" of cocaine and cannabis.

At Basildon Crown Court, Knight, of New Road, Grays, admitted one count of possession with intent to supply a controlled Class A drug and one count of intent to supply a controlled Class B drug.

Police said he was also in possession of an "offensive weapon".

Four other people have also been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary - in connection with the incident in October - and released under investigation.

Connor Knight was jailed for two years and six months for the drugs offences

A file has been prepared for the coroner over Mr Rowbotham's death.

The circumstances are expected to be discussed in an inquest at the Essex coroner's court at a later date.