THE man accused of murdering a schoolgirl will not be giving evidence at his trial.
After the prosecution closed its case at Preston Crown Court today, Iyad Albattikhi's Queens Counsel Iain Goldrein said the defendant elected to exercise his right not to give evidence.
Jordanian Albattikhi, 30, also known as Eddie, was living in Blackburn while running the Funny Boyz takeaway on Dickson Road, Blackpool. He denies murder.
Fourteen-years-old Charlene disappeared three and a half years ago.
The court has heard that her body may have been disposed of in a kebab.
Fifty years old Mohammed Reveshi of Hornby Road, Blackpool, denies helping to dispose of her body.
The jury has heard claims that the defendants were secretly taped talking about Charlene and about her being killed.
In police interview both denied having known the youngster or ever seeing her.
Reveshi told officers he had done nothing but good in his life.
The trial will continue tomorrow.
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