Two deny part in alleged kidnap and murder of man

Tomasz Samel died in 2019 after suffering 75% burns

Two people have denied charges over the alleged kidnap and murder of a man who six years ago was driven in a van from his home in Birmingham to the north west of England where he died.

Tomasz Samel left his home on Raleigh Close in Handsworth on 27 March 2019. He died in a specialist burns unit in Liverpool on 21 June of that year after suffering from 75% burns to his body.

Kye Arthur, 34, from Bristol, has pleaded not guilty to murder, manslaughter, conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to falsely imprison, and conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).

Sandra Kozlowska, 37, from Liverpool, denies one count of assisting an offender.

Mr Arthur appeared via video link at Birmingham Crown Court from HMP Nottingham on Friday, wearing a grey tracksuit with a grey jumper over his shoulders.

He spoke only to enter his plea and was denied bail.

Ms Kozlowska appeared in the dock and was bailed with conditions.

Her husband Tobiasz Kozlowski, 38, also from Liverpool, was due to appear in court to enter pleas after being charged by West Midlands Police with murder, conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to falsely imprison and conspiracy to cause GBH with intent.

He did not arrive by prison transport on Friday in time for the hearing.

Mr Kozlowski would instead be arraigned on 12 January, the court heard, ahead of a provisional trial date of 22 June.