The judge at Belfast Magistrates' Court dismissed the charge against the retired sportsman after identifying inconsistencies in Tina Wallace's evidence
The former Ireland and Ulster rugby star Paddy Wallace has been acquitted of harassing his estranged wife.
A judge dismissed the charge against the retired sportsman after identifying inconsistencies in Tina Wallace's evidence.
She also refused a prosecution application to impose a restraining order.
Mr Wallace, 37, was accused of subjecting his wife to harassment over two dates in May last year.
By that stage the couple had split after 11 years of marriage, with the ex-rugby star moving out of the family home in east Belfast.
Belfast Magistrates' Court was told he sent 41-year-old Mrs Wallace a number of text messages on 1 May.
During a contested hearing she claimed he appeared at the kitchen window of the house while a male friend was present.
It was also alleged that her husband tried to take photographs.
Mr Wallace, capped 30 times in an international career which involved being part of Ireland's 2009 Grand Slam-winning team, denied the allegations.
His barrister challenged the account during cross-examination of the alleged victim.
Mr Wallace, of Station Road in Holywood, County Down, left court without commenting on the case
Delivering judgment on the case, the judge stressed that successful prosecution on a harassment charge required a course of conduct of at least two incidents.
She pointed to discrepancies between the evidence given of the second alleged incident and an account given in separate proceedings.
The judge said it was unfortunate police did not obtain a statement from the witness in the house.
"I cannot be satisfied to the relevant standard what happened on that date," she said.
"In those circumstances I have to dismiss the charge."
Mr Wallace, of Station Road in Holywood, County Down, left court without commenting on the case.
But his lawyer, said: "Mr Wallace is pleased with the outcome of today's hearing and wishes to thank his legal team, friends and family for their support at this difficult time.
"He now wants to move on with his life and focus on his two children."
