Gillian Taylforth harassment case dropped as ex-partner Geoff Knights dies
The harassment case against a former partner of soap star Gillian Taylforth has been closed after a court heard he had died.
Geoff Knights, 58, who was being treated for stomach cancer, passed away last week.
Mr Knights, of The Lampitts, Hoddesdon, had been charged earlier this year with two offences of breaching a non molestation order.
A judge at St Albans Crown Court said the proceedings "can go no further".
The order, which was made in July 2009, banned Mr Knights from contacting the 58-year-old ex-EastEnders actress, who currently plays Sandy Roscoe in Channel 4's Hollyoaks.
He was accused of telephoning her, sending her texts, harassing and pestering her between September of last year and May of this year.
At Stevenage magistrates in June, he denied three charges of breaching the order.
In court on Wednesday, Judge Andrew Bright QC heard a death certificate for Mr Knights had been produced.
He said: "I am satisfied he has sadly passed away and the proceedings can go no further. The matter is now, as far as I am concerned, at an end."
Ms Taylforth and Mr Knights were together for 23 years and have two children, aged 21 and 14. Their relationship ended in 2009.
The actress has also starred in The Bill, Footballers' Wives and has appeared on Strictly Come Dancing.