A VILLAGER has been cleared of assaulting a woman but has received a restraining order banning him from contacting her.

Stuart William Harris, 40, of Chaffinch Road, Four Marks, near Alresford, denied the assault allegation on Emma Hogarth, said to have happened on July 25 this year.

The case was dismissed when the prosecution offered no evidence at Basingstoke Magistrates Court.

The magistrates imposed a restraining order barring Harris from any direct or indirect contact. The order will last until further notice.