Cypriot on trial in London murder case

THE TRIAL began in London yesterday of a Greek Cypriot and his alleged accomplice, charged with the murder of black musician Michael Mensen in 1997.

The court heard that Mensen, 30, son of a Ghanian diplomat, was set on fire in a north London street because he looked like a man who had once harassed the girlfriend of one of the alleged killers.

Prosecutor Nigel Sweeney told the court that student Mario Pereira and Greek Cypriot Charalambous Constantinou, both 26, together with Turkish Cypriot Ozguy Cevat, 22, attacked Menson near telephone boxes in the city’s Edmonton area.

Pereira and Constantinou deny murder and perverting the course of justice. Cevat, who fled to the occupied areas of Cyprus, was arrested and is standing trial there for the killing.

The jury was told that police originally believed Menson had tried to commit suicide and wasted hours in securing the scene of the crime where Menson had staggered while still alight before being helped by two motorists.

He later told his brothers from his hospital bed before he died that he had been attacked. He had burns to more than 30 per cent of his body.

It was two years before police were able to track down the alleged culprits after planting a listening device in their flat.

Police say officers heard them admit to taking part in the attack, how they could gag witnesses, and how they planned to destroy evidence.