Sausage throwing case costs £20,000 - Update

A police investigation to prosecute a 12-year-old for throwing a cocktail sausage at a neighbour has cost £20,000.

The youngster was charged with common assault and brought before magistrates six times after the case was repeatedly adjourned to allow reports to be prepared.

Greater Manchester Police yesterday dropped all charges against the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, after he was diagnosed as suffering from attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder.

One judge who heard the case in August questioned whether the prosecution served the public interest.

Judge Tim Devas said: "If he has done what was suggested it is very bad behaviour. But is it in the public interest to prosecute a 12-year-old boy who threw a sausage?"

A police spokesman said: "The offender admitted he threw an object at the man and was therefore charged."