Groves trial delayed again as Srinagar reaches 'hell' conditions

Friday 17 May 2019

The trial of the man accused of killing Sarah Groves has been disrupted by further civil unrest as conditions worsen in Srinagar.

Richard de Wit's latest hearing was cancelled yesterday, but the Groves family remain hopeful that more progress in the trial will soon be made after recent advancements

They said; "despite attempts by the Judge to speed matters up, the trial has again been thwarted by on-going (and potentially worsening) civil unrest.

"Today’s hearing could not take place and was re-scheduled for next Wednesday, 22 May 2019."

The Groves family said they were told conditions in Srinagar are hellish and they understand that would affect the likelihood of the trial going ahead. 

"When asked what life is like in Srinagar in the on-going cycle of unrest and disruption, our legal representative responded by saying ‘Life here is hell’.

"Clearly, not the best circumstances in which to conduct a murder trial."

They are hopeful more progress will be made at the next scheduled hearing next week, saying; "again, an attempt by the Judge to speed matters up by setting a hearing date less than one week away."

Pictured above and top: Sarah Groves and Richard de Wit. 

Richard de Wit denies murdering Miss Groves on a houseboat in Kashmir in April 2013. He's been held on remand ever since he was arrested soon after her death.

His trial has been plagued with delays through civil unrest, a change in judge and changes in legal representation.

His next hearing is scheduled for next Wednesday.