Panghali will not testify in own defence

A former Surrey, B.C. school teacher accused of murdering his pregnant wife will not testify and will not call any witnesses in his own defence, his lawyer confirmed Thursday in B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster.

Mukhtiar Panghali was charged with second-degree murder of Manjit Panghali and interfering with her remains four years ago, after the burned body of his 30-year-old wife was discovered on the beach near the Delta port five days after he reported her missing.

Panghali's defense lawyer Michael Tammen said the reason why the accused is not testifying is a complex decision, which he will not discuss publicly.

The Crown is set to make its final submissions and the trial is expected to wrap up Friday afternoon.