A MAN accused of the murder of a disabled horse dealer today vowed to sue Lancashire Police after he was told the charge against him is not to go ahead.

David Leek, of Bolton Road, Blackburn, spoke after receiving written confirmation from the Crown Prosecution Service that proceedings against him were being discontinued because it was felt there was not enough evidence to guarantee a conviction.

Mr Leek, 35, was charged with the murder of Leslie Jackson, 70, in February. Two other people, including Mr Jackson's niece, had already been charged with his murder.

Today, unemployed Mr Leek said the murder charge had "ruined" his life, even prompting him to try and commit suicide.

He said: "At my worst point I bought heroin for the first time in my life. I injected it and hoped to died. I didn't care. I just didn't want to live any more.

"I didn't try to kill myself to escape the courts. I know I didn't do anything wrong. I did it because people had made my life hell.

"As soon as I was charged, people around me changed. It didn't matter how much I tried to tell them I had done nothing wrong.

"Only a couple of friends and my family supported me.

"I feared if I could be arrested for something I didn't do I could very easily be convicted for it."

Mr Jackson's blood-soaked body was found at his sheltered bungalow in Sussex Drive, Blackburn, in November 1990. It is believed to have been there for two days before being discovered.

During a murder investigation more than 100 officers scoured the country following up leads.

Mr Leek said: "I had no idea why I was arrested but as soon as I was, things changed. "I would walk down the street and get spat at. People actually spat in my face. I was called names, shunned by almost everybody and effectively forced to live in solitude, even though I was still in Blackburn, which is my home."

He added: "I couldn't even go to the pub. When I did I was hit in the face. If I had retaliated, I would have broken my bail conditions and ended up in jail."

Robert Peter Atkinson, 36, from Manchester, and Bernadette Meadowcroft, of Howarth Avenue, Church, have also been charged in connection with Mr Jackson's death.

Both have been remanded in custody and committed to stand trial at Preston Crown Court for murder.

The case is next due for mention on December 20.

Mr Leek added: "I feel a great injustice has been done. If the CPS don't think the evidence is strong enough, then I think the police must have thought the same.

"They have put me through so much and I feel I deserve some sort of compensation.

"But I must thank the legal team who have worked with me and stood by me. Without their hard work, an even greater injustice could have occurred."

The letter from the CPS, written by MJR Mitcalfe, the prosecution team leader, said: "All bail conditions cease to apply now. The charge against you, that of the murder of Leslie Jackson, is being discontinued.

"However, if any further evidence comes to light it is likely you will be re-arrested."

Mr Leek's solicitor Paul Schofield of Farleys, said: "Our client has always completely denied involvement and this is clearly a step in the right direction.

"In view of the fact that there are other proceedings still ongoing, I cannot comment further at this stage except to confirm that following the full trial, we will carefully consider Mr Leek's position as to any further action to be taken on his behalf."

A spokesman for the CPS said: "We can confirm the case against Mr Leek has been discontinued.

"However, the charges against the other two accused still stand."

A Lancashire Police spokesman declined to comment on any forthcoming legal action against the Force.