AN assistant divisional fire officer has been freed of a drunk driving charge after the police officer who charged him almost two years ago failed to prosecute the case.

Adesh Harrinarine, an ADFO, was discharged by Magistrate Maureen Baboolal-Gafoor on April 8, when his trial was set to begin.

Baboolal-Gafoor dismissed the matter after submissions from Harrinarine’s attorney, Vashisht Seepersad, of Fortis Chambers. She criticised the complainant (charging officer) for failing to act with due diligence while recognising that the police prosecutor did not ask for an adjournment in an attempt to defend the defenceless.