Some progress made in Sarah Groves murder trial

Tuesday 14 May 2019

Following months of stagnation some progress was finally made at last week’s trial into the death of 24-year old Guernsey woman Sarah Groves in Kashmir - India, in 2013, with further progress expected this week.

Evidence from one witness was heard at trial in India yesterday although a cross examination by the defence could not take place.

Ms Groves parents have issued a news release detailing the latest developments in the trial against Dutch national Richard De Wit who is accused of their daughter's murder while she was living on a house boat in the city. 

"Cross-examination by the defence could not take place due to the spontaneous replacement of the leading defence lawyer. The newly appointed defence counsel was not sufficiently appraised of proceedings to date and did not feel able to undertake any form of cross-examination until he had read the various papers involved.

"Due to serious social unrest over the week-end, a general strike was called for Monday and internet services were suspended. Under-trial prisoners were not brought to court. The witness was in attendance but cross-examination could not take place and was deferred until 14:30 local time this coming Thursday 16 May."

The Groves family are now as concerned by this latest setback as they have been in the past, as they are expecting a further hearing in the long running trial within days.

Mr Groves said; "Until very recently, such setbacks would have meant a three-week delay in proceedings. The judge now seems determined to speed matters up with the next scheduled hearing only three days away. In fact, he tried to re-schedule for tomorrow but this could not be agreed with all parties.

"This is a minor setback but not on the scale of previous ones," the family said. 

Pictured: Richard De Wit denies murdering Sarah Groves.