The trial against a Western Isles trawler skipper accused of human trafficking has collapsed.
Alex Murray, 49, was accused of exploiting two Ghanaian nationals aboard the Stornoway-based Astra III.
The Lewis man also faced three charges relating to the safety of the prawn fishing boat.
But the case at Stornoway Sheriff Court was abandoned on Thursday after just two days of evidence.
On Thursday morning, depute procurator fiscal Alison Wylie told the court she was dropping all charges and sheriff Mungo Bovey told Mr Murray he was free to go.
The case went on the rocks after a supposed victim embraced and kissed Mr Murray in the courtroom.
After the jury had left following of Wednesday’s court session, Agbeko Aisbey, the second witness called by the fiscal to give evidence against Mr Murray, asked if he could if he could go and “say hello to my friend the skipper.”
The sheriff gave permission for them to exchange greetings, provided they did not discuss the case.
Leaving the witness box, an emotional Mr Aisbey embraced Mr Murray, who leant down over the dock to hug the fisherman.
Mr Aisbey was due to return to the witness box to be questioned by the fiscal on Thursday, but she deserted the trial.
On Wednesday, witness Issac Adokah was questioned by advocate Barney Ross.
Mr Adokah said Mr Murray was a “good friend” and agreed they got on well together.
He, along with other past and present foreign crew members, even spent Christmas Day with the Murray family at their home at Upper Bayble in Lewis.
Mr Adokah agreed that the living conditions aboard the boat were similar to other island trawlers and said there was always plenty of food.
His monthly pay of £800 plus £50 bonus made him more wealthier than he would be working in his native Ghana.
He also said that though there were delays in paying his wages, he received more money overall that he was contractually entitled to.
The court heard that things were going well until the fishing vessel broke down and required major repairs costing tens of thousands of pounds, meaning the boat was not earning for around two months.
Mr Murray told the crew there would be delays in getting their wages but they would get paid eventually.
The advocate said the skipper told them they were free to go home or look for work on another fishing vessel.
Outside the courtroom the two Ghanaian fishermen warmly embraced Mr Murray.
Mr Murray said the prosecution had caused a huge amount of suffering and distress and criticised the prosecution service for allowing the case to go ahead.
20072015 STV