Asil Nadir trial: Polly Peck tycoon fled UK 'a broken man'

Polly Peck tycoon Asil Nadir was a "broken man" who had no hope of a fair trial when he left the UK in 1993, he has told the Old Bailey. Mr Nadir, 71, is accused of stealing nearly £150m from his Polly Peck empire but denies all charges. He denied he fled to northern Cyprus because he was guilty of fraud which he was being prosecuted for. He returned in August 2010 to face the charges. Mr Nadir said the firm was put it into administration despite his protests. 'Tremendous future'Mr Nadir denied the company, Polly Peck International (PPI), had been insolvent. He told the court: "I think it had a tremendous future and this attitude was shared by the top brokers and investors in this country and worldwide. "Finance was available from Turkey. The amount discussed was £70m to obtain a standstill.

Chronology 1941 - Asil Nadir born in Cyprus 1963 - He comes to Britain to work in the rag trade 1980 - He buys Polly Peck, at the time a small textile firm 1989 - Polly Peck International, by now worth £2bn, acquires giant fruit company Del Monte 24 Oct 1990 - PPI goes into administration Dec 1990 - Mr Nadir is charged with embezzling money May 1993 - He flees to northern Cyprus Aug 2010 - Mr Nadir returns to the UK Jun 2012 - He gives evidence at his trial