The case against a man accused of snatching a man's gold chain and threatening to shoot him was dropped by prosecutors yesterday.

David Jahwell Cox, 31, allegedly took the chain worth $1,600 from victim Ellesworth Smith, then told him: "I know what to do with guys like you shoot you."

The incident was said to have occurred at Gombeys Bar, in St. David's, on May 23.

Mr. Cox, of Club Road, Smith's, pleaded not guilty to robbery and using threatening words when he appeared at Magistrates' Court on May 31.

He elected a trial with judge and jury at Supreme Court, which was fixed to begin yesterday morning.

However, prosecutor Carrington Mahoney instead filed a nolle prosequi, which is an application to discontinue criminal charges.

He explained that Mr. Smith received his chain back earlier this month and has "no interest in pursuing the matter and giving evidence".

Puisne Judge Carlisle Greaves quipped: "That's an interesting chain of events."

He then told Mr. Cox: "You are now discharged. The Crown is entitled to bring the matter against you in future if it desires to."

Mr. Cox had been in custody since his court appearance on May 23.