Blackpool man cleared of Charlene murder

4:37pm Monday 19th May 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

The man accused of murdering Blackpool schoolgirl Charlene Downes has walked free from court.

Resort businessman Iyad Albattikhi, 30, of Dickson Road, was cleared of 14-year-old Charlene's murder last month, but remained in custody as he faced charges of indecently assaulting another woman nearly ten years ago.

But the takeaway owner appeared in Preston Crown Court today, to hear the prosecution say it no longer wanted to proceed with the case, which meant Mr Albattikhi walked free after two and a half years behind bars.

Mr Albattikhi was arrested in relation to the offence, which dated back to 1999, while on remand for Charlene's murder.

The St George's High School pupil has not been seen since November 1, 2003, when she waved goodbye to her mum at a bus stop in Blackpool town centre.

The murder trial sensationally collapsed last month, after doubts emerged over the evidence of a key witness.

Mr Albattikhi could not be named at the time, due to his involvement in this case, but the judge today lifted all restrictions on naming him.

Fellow defendant Mohammed Reveshi was cleared of disposing of Charlene's body last month.