'German Master' who gave evidence in honeymoon murder trial of Shrien Dewani found dead at home

A key witness in the honeymoon murder trial of millionaire businessman Shrien Dewani has been found dead.

The body of former prostitute Leopold Lisser, 45, was discovered by a friend at his flat in Moseley, Birmingham on September 13.

A post-mortem showed Mr Lisser, known in sex industry circles as The German Master, died from hanging.

Mr Leisser had been suffering from stress due to the 2014 court case of Shrien Dewani, a police investigation revealed.

Shrien Dewani was accused of plotting the murder of his new wife Anni on their honeymoon while in South Africa in November 2010.

Mr Dewani was cleared at the 2014 trial in Capetown, but three men were jailed for life for kidnap and murder.

Mr Leisser gave evidence at the trial.

Miss Elisabeth Bussey-Jones, coroner for Birmingham and Solihull, recorded a verdict of suicide.

She said: “There was evidence that Mr Leisser had been stressed but no signs that he wanted help. My condolences go out to his family for such a tragic loss.”