CLAIMS that a controversial Winchester academic assaulted a man after a lecture have been dropped.

Prof Eric Anderson, who was recently reprimanded for what is claimed are extreme views on child abuse and sexuality, appeared in Winchester County Court on November 17.

He was accused of assaulting David Skinner at the end of a lecture at Bournemouth University on February 27 last year.

In turn, Prof Anderson had filed a counter claim against Mr Skinner, claiming harassment.

The case was adjourned whilst witness statements were provided by Prof Anderson, who works at the University of Winchester, but both claims have since been dropped, according to a university spokesperson.

Gay rights campaigner Prof Anderson hit the headlines after comments made during a lecture at Oxford University in 2011.

He spoke of his 1,000 sexual partners and said the damage caused by child molestation is "socially constructed" by the western world.

The Chronicle has approached the university and Prof Anderson for comment but none has been forthcoming.

Christian Concern, which was working with Mr Skinner, was also unavailable for comment.