The man accused of murdering Prince Edness has seen the charges against him dropped by the Crown.

Mr Edness was shot and killed on December 7 following an incident on South Avenue in Southampton.

Dion Hart was subsequently charged with his murder at an appearance in Magistrates’ Court on December 16. The 28-year-old man was not required to enter a plea, as the matter would have proceeded to the Supreme Court.

On that occasion, Mr Hart was also charged with the use of prohibited firearms to commit the offence, use of a prohibited firearm during flight, possession of a prohibited firearm with a barrel shorter than 24 inches and possession of 0.4 Winchester ammunition without a licence.

However, according to a police statement, Mr Hart walked free this afternoon after the matter was discontinued. “The Bermuda Police Service continues to progress the investigation into the murder of Prince Barrington Edness,” the spokesman said. “Dion Hart was arrested and charged based on compelling evidence.

“We continue to leave no stone unturned and having received further evidence after consultation with the Department of Public Prosecutions and, in the interest of justice, a discontinuance of prosecution against Mr Hart was filed for his immediate release. Great efforts are being made to locate and arrest other person(s) who are not before the court at this time.”

Following the hearing, family and friends embraced Mr Hart outside the police and court building.