A homeowner who confronted a burglar spent six months being probed by police – after the suspected intruder claimed he was the victim.
Brave businessman Matt Wright, 50, caught the two crooks trying to break into his shed and chased the pair into a nearby graveyard.
But the digital design director was arrested by police on suspicion of wounding after the ‘aggrieved’ suspect was found with four broken ribs and a broken eye socket.
Mr Wright spent the night in a cell before enduring six months in limbo as police weighed up whether to bring assault charges against him.
The would-be burglars, who left their breaking-in tools on Mr Wright’s garage roof before fleeing, were not prosecuted by police, who said there was ‘insufficient evidence’.
MailOnline understands the suspects to be well-known to police.
Mr Wright revealed his ordeal on social media, telling followers: ‘After discovering a couple of undesirables breaking into the shed I decided to hot-foot it after one of them into the graveyard next door.
Brave businessman Matt Wright , 50, caught two crooks trying to break into his shed and chased the pair into a nearby graveyard
But the digital design director was arrested by police on suspicion of wounding after the ‘aggrieved’ suspect was found with four broken ribs and a broken eye socket
‘Sadly for him, he must’ve tripped over a gravestone, ultimately having to spend the night in hospital. I ended up with a night in the nick and a potential GBH charge.’
Motor fanatic Mr Wright discovered the would-be raiders at his property in Acomb, near York, on June 22.
He was sent a letter from North Yorkshire Police exactly six months later informing him he would face no further action.
Mr Wright told friends the letter was a ‘big relief’ and ‘something that’s been hanging over me for the past six months.’
The letter from North Yorkshire Police states: ‘I am writing to update you with the filing of the allegation against you regarding the offence of Section 18 wounding with intent which occurred within the grounds of St Steven’s Church, York, on 22/06/24.
‘On arrival officers found two men, including one laid on the ground with suspected serious injuries and another stood over him.
‘The injured man was taken to hospital where he received treatment for four broken ribs and a broken eye socket.
‘A man was arrested in connection with the assault who told officers that someone had tried to break into his shed.
Motor fanatic Mr Wright discovered the would-be raiders at his property in Acomb, near York, on June 22
‘After the injured man had been treated for his injuries, he was arrested in connection with the shed break-in.
‘Two separate investigations were carried out, one into the assault and one into the shed break-in.
‘Due to the seriousness of the injuries inflicted during the assault, it was appropriate to carry out an investigation and put the evidence before a court to decide the outcome.
‘However, the complaint of assault has since been withdrawn. There was insufficient evidence to pass the evidential threshold test for prosecuting the suspected burglar, therefore in both investigations, no further action will be taken.’