A JUDGE has formally closed the file on an assault case involving prostitute Shelley Armitage.

The former Huddersfield vice girl – allegedly murdered by Bradford student Stephen Griffiths – failed to turn up at Bradford Crown Court last month when her partner Craig Preston was given a two-year community order for his part in an assault on a police officer in Bradford over a year ago.

Judge John Potter was told at the time that Miss Armitage had not been seen since April 26 and detectives were concerned about her safety.

Yesterday her case was listed for mention again before the same judge and prosecutor Jonathon Devlin told the court there was an on-going case into her death.

After initially querying whether he needed a death certificate Judge Potter formally announced that the file would be marked that the defendant had died.

The court heard last month that drink-driver Preston was seen driving an Audi erratically and when a passing patrol officer approached the vehicle Miss Armitage, who was a passenger in the car, became involved in an argument with the police constable.

Mr Devlin said both Preston and Miss Armitage assaulted the male officer who suffered scratches to his neck and face.

Preston admitted charges of assault, driving while over the prescribed limit and having no insurance.

The court heard he was almost three times the alcohol limit when he was breath-tested.

Judge John Potter sentenced Preston to a two-year community order with a requirement for two years’ supervision but took account of the exceptional circumstances .