Zimmerman escapes fresh assault charges

Miami - A Florida man cleared two years ago of murdering unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin in a case that fuelled debate about racism in the US won't face charges over recent allegations of assault, local media reported.

A woman described as his ex-girlfriend told police George Zimmerman had thrown a wine bottle at her in a domestic dispute. However, she is no longer co-operating with authorities, prompting police to drop the charges, the Orlando Sentinel reported Friday.

The 31-year-old Zimmerman, who was acquitted in the Martin killing in 2013, has had a number of brushes with the law since.

Later in 2013 his then-wife Shellie Zimmerman called police claiming he threatened her and her father with a gun, but she also refused to press charges.

Several months later Zimmerman was arrested for domestic violence but a girlfriend changed her story and charges were again withdrawn.