A supporter of the late Allan Hubbard says he is relieved for the Timaru businessman's family that charges against him have been dropped.
The Serious Fraud Office confirmed this week criminal proceedings could not continue and it has asked Timaru District Court to take steps to end the prosecution.
An order was issued on Friday after a hearing in chambers that the charges be permanently stayed.
Mr Hubbard, 83, died after a car crash last Friday, just weeks before he was due in court to face 50 fraud charges.
Supporter Paul Carruthers says the formal dropping of the charges is just a tick in the box and in no way lessens the tragedy of the situation.
