Further delays in Groves trial

Tuesday 16 October 2018

Two days set aside for the Sarah Groves murder trial have seen very little progress made this week.

The 135th and 136th trial dates were scheduled for this week with witnesses expected to take to the stand to give their evidence in the trial of the man accused of murdering Miss Groves.

Richard de Wit who has been held on remand since being arrested shortly after Miss Groves death in April 2013, has always denied killing her. 

He is on trial at the 2^nd Additional Magistrates’ Court in Srinagar.

Pictured: Sarah Groves died in April 2013 and her family and friends have been fighting for justice for her since then. 

This week, there was only limited progress made in the trial on Monday, when one witness, 'Prosecution Witness 37 out of 46 listed' was cross examined.

Ms Tehmmena Bhat was a member of the medical team associated with the autopsy on Miss Groves' body. Her evidence confirmed that Miss Groves "was clean of all toxins and substances at the time of her death."

A second witness who turned up after the lunch break was unable to give their evidence as the court had been closed for the day.

Vic Groves, Sarah's father, said "further witnesses could have been processed at today’s hearing - this was another opportunity lost to move the trial forward."

He was also concerned that other, "outstanding issues, such as the attendance of the Senior House Officer at Ram Munshi Bagh Police Station, who has been asked to prove that summonses and writs were properly served and pursued in respect of witness attendance in court, were not addressed at today’s hearing."

Mr Groves said efforts to locate a key witness have also failed so far.

"Witness No 7, the taxi driver who was with Richard de Wit at the time of his arrest, appear to have stalled. He is considered a key witness, who was first summoned to attend court on March 28, 2014 – four and a half years ago."

While Mr Groves was pleased there was some, limited, progress in the trial earlier this week, he said. "it is unclear how the evidence of Ms Bhat helps either the Prosecution or the Defence in respect of proving the guilt or innocence of the accused."

The second scheduled date of the trial this week, saw absolutely no progress made though.

Mr Groves said "heightened security requirements caused by election polling" meant the hearing couldn't go ahead on Tuesday, with neither Mr de Wit or the witnesses due to give evidence, there. 

He said, "this was clearly the wrong day to schedule a hearing for reasons that would have been known in advance by all concerned."

The next trial date is now scheduled for Wednesday 31 October. 

Pictured top: Richard de Wit at court this week.