A MAN accused of stabbing another man seven times in broad daylight in Barrow town centre has had the case against him dropped.

John Paul Jennings was due to appear at Preston Crown Court today accused of carrying out the vicious attack in Rawlinson Street in Barrow at around 4.25pm on November 7 of last year.

The incident took place close to the junction with Harrison Street where a 37-year-old Barrow man was seriously injured after being stabbed seven times in the head, chest and both arms. He was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital to be treated.

After detectives launched an investigation, 27-year-old Jennings, from Stamfordham Drive in Liverpool, was charged with the Section 18 offence of wounding with intent and possessing a bladed article.

The Evening Mail understands dash-cam footage provided by a motorist travelling in Rawlinson Street at the time of the attack was used as part of the investigation.

Jennings appeared at Furness Magistrates' Court on November 30 where he was remanded in custody and a trial preparation hearing was scheduled to take place today at Preston Crown Court. No pleas were entered at his first court appearance.

However, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has now confirmed the case has been discontinued following an ongoing review of the evidence. No further details have been given as to why the case has been dropped.

A spokesperson for the CPS said: "The case against John Jennings arose following an allegation of the wounding of a man on Rawlinson Street in Barrow on November 7, 2016.

"Cumbria Police carried out a detailed investigation into the matter and a file was submitted to the CPS. The case was reviewed in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and a charge of wounding was authorised.

"The prosecution has a duty of continuous review of the evidence in any case and following a further review of this matter, we made the decision to stop the case as there was no longer sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.

"Any decision by the CPS does not imply any finding concerning guilt or criminal conduct, the CPS makes decisions only according to the test set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors and it is applied in all decisions on whether or not to prosecute."