The charges against New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore have been dropped as Bristol County prosecutors said that the domestic violence case is “no longer viable,” per 7News’ Steve Cooper.
Barmore appeared in court on Monday, March 9 for his arraignment, which is when the charges were dropped as “new information came to light from the victim,” according to MassLive.
Boston 25 adds that Barmore and the victim are still in contact.
Here’s What Happened At Attleboro District Court on Monday
In a report by The Boston Globe, they detailed what occurred at Attleboro District Court during Barmore’s arraignment. Specifically, before Barmore could enter a plea, “the parties had two lengthy sidebar conferences before Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Sowa said prosecutors were dropping the case, with plans to file a formal document known as a nolle pros confirming that on Tuesday.”
“The Commonwealth is in receipt of updated information that was not provided to either the Mansfield Police Department or the Clerk Magistrate,” Sowa said according to the outlet.
“The original request of the parties was … to have the arraignment continued for a period of time, so that the parties could continue to be in communication, and Mr. Barmore [could] continue to engage in some counseling that he on his own proactively decided to engage in,” Sowa added.
However, due to the new information that was communicated and confirmed by the victim in this case,” it was determined that the “case is not viable for prosecution at this time.”
What Were The Charges Against Christian Barmore?
GettyChristian Barmore of the New England Patriots
According to court documents obtained by WCVB, Barmore was facing a a charge of misdemeanor assault and battery on a household member that stemmed from an incident in Mansfield on Aug. 8. The victim was in a relationship with Barmore and alleged that Barmore became angry over the air conditioner temperature in his bedroom, as well as an argument over food.
WCVB reports that the victim told police that Barmore took her phone from her hands as she was leaving the house. In the documents, the woman alleges she “intended to open the door and scream for help,” but Barmore “grabbed her before she could and threw her to the floor.” He is said to have grabbed her by the shirt “in the area of her neck” while she tried to get up. He eventually let her go.
On Dec. 4, an email was sent from the victim to the police stating she did not want to move forward with charges. The official complaint was issued on Dec. 16, and Barmore is set to be arraigned on Feb. 3, 2016, which is just five days before the Super Bowl.
Barmore denied the allegations through his lawyer when it first came out in in December.
“We are confident that the evidence will demonstrate that no criminal conduct took place,” defense attorney David E. Meier said. “Based on the facts and the law, we expect that this personal matter will be resolved in the near future and both parties will move forward together.”
BREAKING: Charges Against Patriots DT Christian Barmore Dropped by Commonwealth