THE trial of four Royal Agricultural University students accused of subjecting a woman to a gang rape ordeal on the night of the college's annual May Ball in 2014 came to an abrupt end today when the prosecution dropped all charges

All four defendants were told by His Honour Judge Jamie Tabor QC that they could leave the dock at Gloucester Crown Court after the Crown offered no evidence.

The case has been beset with legal arguments and problems relating to withheld police evidence for two weeks after a jury was sworn in.

Prosecuting barrister Fiona Elder said: "After reviewing this case in light of additional information the Crown's view is that there is no realistic chance of a conviction and so we offer no evidence.

"The police have told the complainant and her family that the case is not going to proceed."

Material was found on the complainant's mobile phone about her past sex life, including a three-in-a-bed incident involving military policemen in Wiltshire.

Said Judge Tabor: "Very well, not guilty verdicts will be entered and the defendants can be discharged.

"But if there is any contact or harassment of the complainant by any of the defendants the Crown will no doubt consider prosecution."

Defence counsel are considering a claim against the Crown for defence costs incurred and a hearing has been scheduled for April 25 at the crown court.

The four defendants, all smartly dressed in suits and ties, were James Martin, aged 20, of Yew Tree Barn, Hook Norton Road, Swerford, Chipping Norton,Thady Duff, 22, of Stubbs Hill Farm, Blunsdon, Swindon; Leo Mahon, 21, of Lawrence road, Cirencester, whose family home is in Stratford Upon Avon, Patrick Foster, 22, of Lawrence road, Cirencester, whose family home is in Maldon Road, Kelvedon, Essex.

Mr Martin denied a serious sexual assault on May 24, 2014.

Mr Duff denied one charge of sexually assaulting the alleged victim between 1-31 Oct 2013 and three charges of raping her on May 24.

Mr Mahon denied three allegations of rape of the woman on May 24 and two serious sexual assaults.

Mr Foster pleaded not guilty to one offence of rape and two serious sexual assaults on the same date.

On March 29, Judge Jamie Tabor QC said: "This case concerns sexual activity at a Ball night at the Royal Agricultural College, or University as it is now.

"Some of that was filmed. There are going to be what we would call adult pornographic material, very short in length, but nevertheless adult pornographic material to be watched."

The University's annual Summer Ball is held in late May to mark end-of-year exams.

The Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester is known as the 'Oxbridge of the Countryside' and the sons and daughters of many of Britain's biggest landowners are among its 1,200 students. The patron is Prince Charles and one of its former students is Captain Mark Phillips, former husband of Princess Anne.

It became a University in 2013 having previously been the Royal Agricultural College since it was founded in 1845.

It was the first agricultural college in the English-speaking world. Former students also include political commentator Jonathan Dimbleby, the late champion horse trainer Sir Henry Cecil and racehorse trainers Nicky Henderson and Andrew Balding, who is the brother of TV and radio presenter Clare.