A DETECTIVE today described the two years of torment suffered by the family of a young woman who died on a Greek island - and the husband accused of killing her.

And today Detective Sergeant Joe Kellet, the Lancashire officer co-ordinating the British part of the investigation said: "The matter has gone on now for almost two years.

"Janine's family and her husband have had this hanging over their heads for all that time. It needs resolving one way or another."

Lancashire Constabulary has been waiting almost two years to discover what action Greek authorities plan to take about the death of Trawden barmaid Janine Allen, in May 1995, before deciding on their own next step.

Greek officers arrested Derek Allen, 26, in connection with the death but he was later released and allow to return to Great Britain.

He has stayed in touch with Janine's mother, Dorothy, and step-father, Barry Ricketts, of the Rock Inn, Trawden, despite Interpol translations of Greek documents which say he still faces a charge of causing Janine fatal bodily injuries. Today it also emerged that Lancashire Constabulary's Major Crime Unit has interviewed a number of British people who were on the Greek island of Zante when Janine died.

DS Kellet added: "I understand it is not unusual for cases which involve two countries to take a long time."

Police have already sent a 'reminder' letter to Greek detectives dealing with the death which followed the first request for information in September, 1995.

Janine, 22, was found dead in her bed a day after flying out to Zante with her husband, Derek.

After his arrest and subsequent release, Mr Allen, who has always maintained his innocence, stayed with Janine's family, later returning to the marital home in Hawley Street, Colne.

Mr Allen claims Janine suffered a fit and he carried her a mile back to their hotel.

At 4am he spoke to her in bed, but she was dead.

He also said he had been released after paying a £3,000 fine for not calling for medical assistance and that all Greek proceedings had been completed.

East Lancs Coroner David Smith also needs news from Greece.

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