Saudi prince offers no evidence in Marylebone hotel murder trial
THE Saudi Prince charged with murdering his servant in a sexually-motivated attack at a Marylebone hotel has decided against giving evidence in his trial at the Old Bailey.
Saud Abdulaziz bin Nasser al Saud, 34, killed Bandar Abdulaziz, 32, on February 15 at the five-star Landmark Hotel, on Marylebone Road, after subjecting the victim to weeks of physical and sexual abuse, the court heard.
But the Prince, whose father is a nephew of the King of Saudi Arabia and whose mother is the King’s daughter, decided not to give evidence in the case.
The jury was informed of the decision after the prosecution closed its case following two weeks of evidence.
The judge then told the jury they would hear from prosecutor Jonathan Laidlaw QC on Monday to deliver his closing speech.
He will be followed by defence counsel John Kelsey-Fry QC before the judge sums up the case and the jury retires to begin its deliberations on Tuesday.
Al Saud admits manslaughter but denies murder and one count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
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The jury has been asked to decide whether he is guilty of manslaughter or murder.
The trial continues.
