Trial date set following Cyprus tragedy

As floral and other tributes begin to be laid next to the Tourist Information Centre in memory of Charlie Birch, the man accused of his murder will stand trial on August 3.

Welshpool has been in shock since Charlie’s tragic death last week during a family holiday in Cyprus. He was reportedly struck, along with Will Pritchard, 32, who was injured, in a hit-and-run by a 35-year-old man who appeared in court yesterday in Paphos.

The man was brought into court after his eight-day remand expired. He was referred to criminal trial on suspicion of premeditated murder and attempted murder.

He will remain in custody until August 3 when the trial proceedings are set to begin. The suspect claims it was an accident but it is believed that a 23-year-old woman who was with him in the car is now likely to be called as a prosecution witness after being released from custody last week.

Local media in Cyprus have reported that prior to the alleged hit-and-run there had been an altercation at a bar in Coral Bay during which the two Welshpool men reportedly tried to defend the woman who was being abused by the suspect. The couple then left the bar and drove off.

Charlie and Will were then struck on their way back to their apartment later on the Peyia-Ayios Georghios road in Paphos. The suspect and the woman were arrested after driving the vehicle into a harbour several hours later.

Charlie’s family have thanked the town for its overwhelming support and the Town Council is allowing an area next to the Tourist Information Centre to be used for laying tributes. Several had already been placed this morning (pictured).