Breakdown mechanic says campervan had 'rancid smell'

A breakdown mechanic says a campervan, which prosecutors state was used to dump the body of a mother-of-three, had a "rancid smell".

Rania Alayed, from Manchester, vanished in June 2013. Her husband, Ahmed Al-Khatib, and brother-in-law, Muhaned Al-Khatib are accused of murdering her because they believed she was becoming "westernised".

Jurors at the city's Crown Court heard that the men drove her remains to a road layby in North Yorkshire, where they buried her. But the prosecution say, as they returned to Manchester, their vehicle broke down and Muhaned called the AA.

Recovery worker, Richard Sheardown, described a "stench" when he opened the back of the vehicle. Another member of AA staff also noticed an awful smell.

Ahmed and Munhaned Al-Khatib deny murder. A third defendant, Hussain Al-Khatib, denies perverting the course of justice over the alleged hiding of her body.

Read: Trial begins of men accused of murder with no body