Investigation clears man of gay pride theft

Paul Johnson, 43, the former chairman of Huddersfield’s Pink Picnic, was arrested in May this year over concerns that suppliers had not been paid.

Mr Johnson, formerly of Huddersfield but now living in Barnsley, was bailed pending further police inquiries.

Following a three-month police investigation Mr Johnson was told no charges would be brought and the case was closed.

Mr Johnson said there was no evidence that money had actually gone missing.

He revealed that news of his arrest had led to people abusing him on the street and on Facebook.

This year’s Pink Picnic did not go ahead because of a lack of funds and not enough people on the organising committee, according to those involved with the event.

The event normally attracted a Kirklees Council grant but organisers missed an application deadline.

A police spokesman confirmed that it was taking no further action following the arrest of a 43-year-old man over an allegation of theft.