Coventry man co-accused of playing part in fatal explosion to face murder chargesA Coventry man co-accused of causing a huge explosion at a shop which killed five people is now facing five counts of murder.
Hawkar Hassan, 32, of Eld Road, Foleshill, had originally been charged with the manslaughter of five people who died in the blast at the Zabka Polish supermarket in Leicester on Sunday, February 25.
His co-accused, Aram Kurd, 33 and Arkan Ali, 37, have also seen their manslaughter charges increased to murder.
The defendants appeared at Leicester Crown Court today.
David Herbert QC, prosecuting, applied to the court to add the new charges of murder in the light of the evidence available to the investigation.
Although no pleas were entered, defence counsel indicated that not guilty pleas were likely to follow.
At an earlier hearing at the city’s magistrates court, petrol was given as the alleged cause of the explosion.
The three defendants, who were also originally charged with arson, recklessly endangering lives, were assisted by a Kurdish interpreter.
Flanked by six custody officers in the dock, they spoke only to confirm their names.
Ali is from Drake Close, Oldham and Kurd is of Hillary Place, Braunstone, Leicester.
Ali was represented by defence counsel, James House QC, Hassan by Aisha Khan and Kurd by Daniel Oscroft.
Judge Dean adjourned the case for a pre-trial review on October 18.
There were no applications for bail and the defendants were remanded back into custody.
A trial is due to take place in November.