Charges against three people arrested after street-begging in Napier were formally withdrawn in Napier District Court today.
But the back-down by the Napier City Council and police sparked a brief challenge by Judge Bridget Mackintosh, who asked: "Is there a reason?"
Police prosecutor Sergeant John Ashfield confirmed the decision had been made after discussion between police and the council.
Before the court were Myles Selwyn Hemopo, 40, denying three charges of breaching Napier City Council by-laws and one of soliciting for money without authority, Major Keelan, 47, denying one charge of breaching by-laws and one of soliciting money without authority, and Turei Mahia Cooper, 32, facing one charge of soliciting money without authority, one of disorderly behaviour, and one of trespassing at Napier City Pak 'n Save.
The trio had first appeared on the charges in June, when Mr Cressey said the case would be argued as a breach of a constitutional right to freedom of expression and to seek help from others.