Charges dropped against Anna Nicole's ex

A judge has dismissed all charges against Howard K. Stern, the ex-boyfriend of the late Anna Nicole Smith, despite being convicted two months ago of supplying her with drugs before her death.

After a lengthy trial in October, Mr Stern and Anna Nicole's psychiatrist, Dr. Khristine Eroshevich, were convicted by a jury of various charges accusing them of illegally procuring drugs for the former Playboy playmate before she died.

At this week's sentencing, LA Superior Court Judge, Robert J. Perry, dropped both charges remaining against Stern citing "insufficient evidence" and dropped three of the four charges against Eroshevich.

The judge also reduced the fourth to a lesser misdemeanour, fined her $100 and put her on probation for one year.

Speaking of the judges decision, Mr Stern said: "I was just grateful that he understood it. I knew that all along, I've lived it. I knew that their case was false so, I'm just grateful to him for seeing that."

Model and actress Anna Nicole Smith, famous for marrying an 89-year-old oil billionaire, died in Florida in 2007, age 39, from an accidental prescription drug overdose.