CLEVELAND Police were no closer last night to solving the mystery of the death of former top barrister Barry Stewart.
Mr Stewart, who was facing assault charges, is reported to have died from cancer at his home in Cyprus.
A judge at Teesside Crown Court, hearing the case, has demanded legal proof of his death.
Mr Stewart, who was the subject of allegations that he spanked junior colleagues at his chambers, had been living in a luxury villa in northern Cyprus.
His partner, Peter, relayed news of his death last month to England and tributes were paid to the lawyer.
Last night, a spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said they had yet to receive confirmation of the death from Mr Stewart's solicitor.
She said: "We are still waiting and don't know how long this will take."
Mr Stewart, 58, formerly of Ridge Hall, Staithes, North Yorkshire, was the head of his own chambers in Middlesbrough before his arrest.
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