Document leads to trial collapse

The trial of an Algerian national charged with handling stolen travellers' cheques collapsed on the second day due to a defect…

The trial of an Algerian national charged with handling stolen travellers' cheques collapsed on the second day due to a defect in the document returning him for trial.

Mr Abdul Madrid Laiche (34), of Farrad Avenue, Woodgreen, London, pleaded not guilty to handling stolen travellers' cheques and to having knowledge of their intended use at Dublin Airport on April 16th, 1997.

Judge Dominic Lynch at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court discharged the jury and Mr Laiche when it was revealed the order returning him for trial had not been signed by the correct district judge.