THE family of a Northumberland teacher killed in Saudi Arabia is still waiting to get his body returned, three months after he died.

A murder investigation was launched after Robert Coleman, from Blyth, died of head injuries in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

It is believed the 56-year-old teacher got into an argument with friend Andrew Cannon during an illegal drinking session on March 1. A fight broke out during which Mr Coleman was hit with a chair. However, The Journal understands that today, more than three months on, his loved ones are still waiting for his body to be returned to Blyth. The South East Northumberland coroner’s office was informed of Mr Coleman’s death soon after and the Blyth branch of Co-operative Funeralcare has been awaiting the return of his body.

But Mr Coleman’s family, who live in the town, still do not know when he will be home.

It has been reported that Mr Cannon, 41, from Basingstoke in Hampshire, fled the up-market compound where he and Mr Coleman lived near the King Khaled International Airport, the next day after discovering his friend was dead.

He was arrested in Bahrain while attempting to board a flight to London, before being returned to Riyadh.

Murder in Saudi Arabia carries a mandatory sentence of execution by beheading, although no Westerner has ever been given the death penalty there. Mr Cannon and Mr Coleman were working as teachers for a subsidiary company of UK defence contractor BAE Systems.

They lived in the same building on the private compound.

It has been reported that Mr Cannon admitted there was a fight but denies causing his friend’s death. He is said to claim that Mr Coleman struck first, hitting him with his fists and also an ashtray. He is awaiting trial.