Vermont state Sen. Norman McAllister, left, sits in court with his defense attorney Brooks McArthur during the first day of his trial on two counts of sexual assault Wednesday, June 15, 2016, in St. Albans, Vt. The 69-year-old Republican lawmaker was suspended from his legislative post in January, and could get up to two life sentences if convicted on the two sexual assault charges. (Gregory J. Lamoureux/County Courier via AP, Pool)
Vermont state Sen. Norman McAllister, left, sits in court with his defense attorney Brooks McArthur during the first day of his trial on two counts of sexual assault Wednesday, June 15, 2016, in St. Albans, Vt. The 69-year-old Republican lawmaker was suspended from his legislative post in January, and could get up to two life sentences if convicted on the two sexual assault charges. (Gregory J. Lamoureux/County Courier via AP, Pool)

St. Albans, Vt. — Vermont prosecutors have dismissed two sexual assault charges against a Republican state senator based on what they say is new information.

The surprise development today ended the trial of Sen. Norm McAllister, R-Highgate, one day after it began.

McAllister, who has pleaded not guilty in the case, still faces a trial this fall on four other sex-offense charges. A court hearing will be held on those.

During this latest trial, a 21-year-old woman testified that he forced her to have oral sex in a barn at his farm and intercourse at his home in Franklin. The 4-foot, 11-inch woman, who weighs less than 100 pounds, spoke of up to 30 incidents in which she said McAllister, a foot taller and 230 pounds, overpowered her.

But McAllister’s attorneys pointed to what they say were numerous inconsistencies in her sworn statements. The 64-year-old McAllister is a Weathersfield native who went to Windsor High School.

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Posted at 11:05 a.m. For a full report, see Friday’s Valley News.