The jury trial of a woman accused of assaulting and robbing three vulnerable male pensioners collapsed after only two hours at Forfar Sheriff Court.
Appearing from custody, Christina Towns faced an indictment alleging theft and assault against two near-neighbours and assault against an 82-year-old in Forfar.
But a jury of eight women and seven men were dismissed after hearing only several minutes of evidence from two witnesses in the case.
Ms Towns, 29, a prisoner at Cornton Vale, faced three charges under indictment.
She denied stealing money from Ian Catto, 67, between June 1 and August 31 last year, while acting with another and while on bail.
She denied assaulting John Martin, 76, pushing him and removing money and a phone from his pockets on September 1, while acting with another and on bail.
Ms Towns denied assaulting Alexander Rattray, 82, at Taranty Place on September 4 by pushing the door into him, repeatedly pushing him to the ground, searching through his clothing and robbing him of a wallet, with another and while on bail.
Presenting the Crown case, depute fiscal Douglas Wiseman described his first witness, Mr Catto, as having “significant hearing and physical difficulties”.
The witness was unable to answer questions put to him by Mr Wiseman.
The next complainer, Mr Martin, was called to give evidence but was unable to identify Ms Towns when asked if he saw the person who robbed him in court.
Defending Ms Towns, solicitor Bob Bruce did not ask for the chance to cross-examine Mr Martin.
Dismissing the jury, Sheriff Gregor Murray said: “As a result of the evidence, the Crown has conceded that there is no evidence that can be submitted in the case.”