A man wrongfully accused of dragging a 12-year-old girl into bushes in Whangarei last month had the charge dropped at Whangarei District Court yesterday.
Thomas Stephen Heremaia, aged 39, appeared on charges of kidnapping and possession of cannabis.
Prosecutor Sergeant Barrie Iggo said police wanted to withdraw the kidnapping charge.
Counsel Lucy Postlewaight said her client had been arrested on May 15 after a false statement made by two young girls and had to spend three nights in the cells.
Heremaia pleaded guilty to the possession charge and was convicted and discharged without further penalty.
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