Man faces murder trial in France

Valerie Brocklesby (left) died in the attack but daughter Jayne survived

A Frenchman is to go on trial near Paris, accused of murdering his mother- in-law and attempting to kill his wife in West Bromwich over five years ago.

Former car dealer Cherif Doua, 42, will stand trial for the murder of Valerie Brocklesby and the attempted murder of Jayne Brocklesby in January, 2000.

Mrs Brocklesby, 62, and her daughter Jayne, now 32, were attacked in Essex Avenue, Hateley Heath, West Bromwich.

Mrs Brocklesby was stabbed to death and Doua's estranged wife was badly hurt.

Frenchman Cherif Doua was arrested after his wife was injured

She was found in the house with multiple stab wounds and underwent surgery for injuries to her upper body.

Doua was arrested by the French authorities at the Gare du Nord railway station in Paris in February, 2000.

The trial, due to last up to four days, is taking place in Beauvais, outside Paris. Doua, a French national, denies the charges.

Officers from the West Midlands force who investigated the case will be attending the trial, due to begin on 29 March.