FARMER Barry Atkins is no longer on police bail in connection with an alleged crucifixion of a 20-year-old man.

FARMER Barry Atkins is no longer on police bail in connection with an alleged crucifixion of a 20-year-old man.

Officers have now withdrawn the case. Mr Atkins has always protested his innocence and demanded to know why he was linked with the case in which two other men were charged.

Mr Atkins, 49, of Skimmers Orchard Farm in Amersham Road, Hazlemere, was released from bail in relation to an incident in which a man was allegedly nailed to a cross and doused with petrol on May 20, in Hayes, West London.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police confirmed the case had been dropped and added: 'The victim no longer wishes to pursue the allegations.'

Mr Atkins said: 'I never had anything to do with this. It has been a great strain on me and my family. The information given to the police about me was incorrect. I want to know who gave the police the information about me.'

Paul Tucker, 29, of Barnhill Road, Hayes, and Eric Deacon, 34, of Rayburn Road, Hayes appeared before the Old Bailey on August 31 to answer charges of kidnapping and causing grievous bodily harm.

Both were cleared after the Crown Prosecution Service decided to offer no evidence on the charges.