Groves trial delayed by covid case

Tuesday 16 June 2020

The trial of the man accused of murdering Sarah Groves can't continue as planned this week, after a member of staff at the Kashmiri court tested positive for covid-19.

Although lockdown restrictions are still in place across India, many courts have been able to function to a limited extent.

For this week's hearing, the court was planning to set up a video link with the Central Jail in Srinagar, where the accused - Richard de Wit - is being held.

Witnesses had been summoned to appear and the Judge, prosecution and defence lawyers were all prepared to go in. But, once again, the trial was unable to resume.

Pictured: Sarah's parents, Kate and Vic Groves.

"After the reopening of the Lower Court, where our case is being tried, yesterday a staff member at the Lower Court was found to have tested positive for covid-19," the Groves' legal representative wrote. "As a consequence, the Lower Court at Srinagar has been shut again for any physical judicial activities till 29 June 2020."

No progress has been made since the 181st hearing on 28 February.

"This is yet another setback in a trial beset by bad luck and bad management from day one," said Miss Groves' father, Vic Groves.

"Eight out of 46 listed witnesses for the prosecution have still to give evidence but efforts are simultaneously under way for the recall of a number of key early witnesses who were not subjected to full and thorough cross examination."

No date has been set for the next hearing.

Pictured top: (Left) the accused, Richard de Wit, (right) Sarah Groves.