Nadir fraud judge told 18 witnesses now dead

Eighteen potential witnesses in the trial of tycoon Asil Nadir have died, the Old Bailey has heard.

They were among 283 people being traced by the Serious Fraud Office following Nadir's return to the UK after 17 years to face trial.

The 69-year-old flew back last month after fleeing the country to the extradition-free Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in 1993, claiming he would not get a fair trial.

He faces charges of theft relating to a 34 million fraud involving his former Polly Peck business empire.

Philip Shears QC, prosecuting, said 201 witnesses had been traced.

He also revealed that fraud investigators had been struck down by a bug from some of the 1,400 boxes of papers being resurrected from storage for use in the case.

This had resulted in one member of staff being treated in hospital and other staff being ordered to wear protective clothing when handling the papers.

"A microbial organism caused one member to go to hospital for burns and difficulties," said Mr Shears.

"Health and safety issues have had to be thought about."

In addition to issuing staff with masks, goggles and aprons, some 900 boxes would be given thermal treatment to "negate" the organism.

The judge, Mr Justice Holroyde, sympathised with staff, adding: "Let's hope there will be no damage to the documents."

Nadir is due to face trial in October next year, and was appearing at a directions hearing.

Nadir was allowed to leave the dock and sit next to his solicitor in the well of the court.

The judge said he was only acceding to a request from the defence because he had been told Nadir had a hearing difficulty. Nadir was remanded on bail.