THE CASE against a professional footballer who played for the Isle of Wight Island Games team has collapsed through lack of evidence.

Jake Scrimshaw of Argyll Street, Ryde, had been charged with, and always denied, shoplifting goods, totalling at least £98.95, from Tesco in Ryde on February 15 and 19.

The striker also denied common assault, on February 19. 

The footballer was the Isle of Wight's top scorer at the 2023 Guernsey Island Games.

On April 19, at the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court, the 23-year-old chose a trial by a jury and was bailed to reappear for a plea and trial preparation hearing at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on July 20.

On May 16, his case was discontinued.