EAGLE, Colorado, Sept 1 (AFP) - A judge dismissed rape charges against basketball superstar Kobe Bryant late Wednesday, sweeping away the specter of a criminal trial that was to have begun next Tuesday.
Judge Terry Ruckriegle dismissed the charges after meeting with defense lawyers and prosecutors.
"We have decided to dismiss the case after several meetings with the victim, her family and her attorneys," District Attorney Mark Hurlbert told a press conference.
"I want to try the case. However the victim has informed us she didn't want to proceed in this case. The decision to dismiss is based on the sole fact that the victim is unable to continue."
Hurlbert said prosecutors admired "the courage, strength and integrity that this victim has shown throughout this case.
"Today, justice is sadly interrupted, and the casualty has been a brave young woman," he said. "This decision was not based upon my lack of commitment to the case. Our commitment to the case remains strong. The decision is not based upon lack of belief of the victim."
A trial, he said, "can be very traumatic for any victim of any crime, more so for a victim of a sexual assault. We must all respect that that is her personal decision, we respect her decision 100 percent."
Bryant had acknowledged having sex with his accuser but said it was consensual. He pleaded not guilty to the rape charge. If convicted he could have faced up to life in prison.