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Charges Dropped Against Md. Man Who Put Leash On Ailing Wife

YORK, Pa. (AP) -- Authorities have dropped a simple assault charge against a Maryland man who used a dog leash to lead his wife around a Pennsylvania fair because she has late-stage dementia.

Court documents show York County District Attorney Dave Sunday found the husband "made an ill-advised decision while attempting to provide his dying wife a trip to the fair." A judge signed the order dismissing the charges on Tuesday.

Walter Wolford had taken his wife to the York County Fair last September.

Police said Wolford yanked the 8-inch long red nylon leash, causing his wife's head to jerk back and leave red marks around her throat.

But the 67-year-old Hagerstown, Maryland, resident claimed he only gently tugged on the leash, which he uses to keep his wife from getting lost.

(© Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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