A MAN has been cleared of waving a machete outside his ex-girlfriend’s house in Bridgwater.

Craig James, 29, was alleged to have threatened Stephanie Gilbert in Polden Street on September 1 last year.

But Sedgemoor Magistrates’ Court found him not guilty last Monday and said there was insufficient evidence a machete had been handled in a public place.

The court heard a police officer had been called to reports of a domestic incident at the property and saw a machete lying on the lounge floor.

Giving evidence, the officer said Mr James was arrested on suspicion of a public offence and affray, but had not acted aggressively.

An independent witness said he had seen Ms Gilbert kicking the door and shouting and had seen Mr James run onto the street to get his dog – but did not see him carry any knife or machete.

Crying, Ms Gilbert told the court she had gone round to collect her things after the relationship had broken down.

She said it had been her house, but Mr James would not move out. She admitted she had kicked the door after Mr James refused to let her in and swore at her and told her to leave.

She told the court: “I was angry and wanted to get my stuff. He came back with a machete and raised it up to his head, threateningly.” She said he then stepped outside onto the street.

Mr James, now living in Wales, had denied the charge or that he had threatened anybody.