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Cyprus trial for UK death suspect Cyprus trial for UK death suspect
(about 2 hours later)
A trial is due to get under way in northern Cyprus over the death of a man in an explosion in Stoke-on-Trent in December 2000. A trial has begun in northern Cyprus over the death of a man in an explosion in Stoke-on-Trent in December 2000.
Kemal Kemalzade, 39, denies the manslaughter of Colin Salt who died following the blast at a newsagents.
Before the case began debris from the shop, including windows, doors and a shop sign, were carried into the court.
In the past fugitives have fled to the Turkish-controlled part of the island to avoid prosecution as it does not have an extradition treaty with the UK.In the past fugitives have fled to the Turkish-controlled part of the island to avoid prosecution as it does not have an extradition treaty with the UK.
But a judge has ruled Kemal Kemalzade, 39, who denies the manslaughter of Colin Salt, can face proceedings there. But following an investigation by police in northern Cyprus, which is not recognised by the UK, a judge ruled Mr Kemalzade could face proceedings there.
Two people were convicted at Stafford Crown Court in the case. Colin Salt died 18 days after the blast
Mr Kemalzade is alleged to have helped set fire to his brother's newsagents, Shukri's, in Chell Heath Road as part of an insurance scam.Mr Kemalzade is alleged to have helped set fire to his brother's newsagents, Shukri's, in Chell Heath Road as part of an insurance scam.
The fire led to a gas explosion that also destroyed the flat above, trapping 47-year-old Mr Salt in the flames. He died 18 days later.The fire led to a gas explosion that also destroyed the flat above, trapping 47-year-old Mr Salt in the flames. He died 18 days later.
Officers from Staffordshire Police are in Cyprus for the trial, which will be heard by three judges. Officers from Staffordshire Police are in northern Cyprus for the trial, which is being heard by three judges.
Mr Kemalzade, a Turkish Cypriot, was arrested in November last year.Mr Kemalzade, a Turkish Cypriot, was arrested in November last year.
His brother Sima and his sister-in-law Sibil are currently serving jail terms for manslaughter, arson and fraud. His brother Sima and his sister-in-law Sibil are currently serving jail terms for manslaughter, arson and fraud after being convicted at Stafford Crown Court.