A COUPLE who ran a Suffolk pub will not have charges brought against them following an alleged theft from the popular venue, The Evening Star can reveal today.

A COUPLE who ran a Suffolk pub will not have charges brought against them following an alleged theft from the popular venue, The Evening Star can reveal today.

An investigation was launched by police last month after several thousand pounds worth of equipment and furniture were reportedly stolen from The Shannon Inn, in Bucklesham, on Sunday January 6 or Monday January 7.

Paul Freeman and Charlotte Freeman-Smith, who ran the pub, were arrested in connection with the investigation however police have revealed they will not be bringing charges.

Meanwhile landlords of the pub, Punch Taverns, have said they will not be taking any further action either.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk police said: "Following the initial investigation and after discussion with the Crown Prosecution Service, this is deemed to be a civil and not criminal matter.

"Both those arrested have had their bail cancelled and there will be no further action by police."

Mr Freeman, 41, had been running the Shannon Inn with his former wife Charlotte Freeman-Smith since 2004 but landlords Punch Taverns contacted police last month after the couple left the venue.

Mr Freeman admitted removing furniture and equipment but claimed it was owned and paid for by him, not the property of Punch Taverns.

Speaking to the Star today he said: “How on earth can you get arrested for taking your own stuff? It is a civil matter.”

He added that he has also recently ceased running another Suffolk pub, The Woolpack in Fornham St Martin.

A spokeswoman for Punch Taverns said: "Punch Taverns will not be taking further action on this matter. Our priority at this stage is to get the pub up and running again and back to its rightful place serving the local community."