Manslaughter jury dismissed

Mr and Mrs Kemalzade denied manslaughter

The jury in the trial of a couple accused of killing a man who died in an explosion on their premises has been dismissed after failing to reach a verdict.

Colin Salt died after receiving 60% burns in an explosion at the newsagents' shop under his flat on Chell Heath Road in Bradeley in December 2000.

Husband and wife running the store, Cinar and Sibel Kemalzade, were charged with manslaughter and conspiracy to commit arson, and to defraud an insurance company.

They had both denied the charges.

Their trial, at Stafford Crown Court, began on 9 June, and the jury retired a week ago.

But on Thursday the judge, His Honour John Shand, said the jury were unable to reach a verdict and dismissed them.

The prosecution says it will now be seeking a fresh trial but it is thought this is unlikely to take place until the New Year.