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Student loses extradition battle | Student loses extradition battle |
(30 minutes later) | |
A student accused of killing a teenager who died after an incident in a Greek nightclub has lost his High Court battle against extradition. | A student accused of killing a teenager who died after an incident in a Greek nightclub has lost his High Court battle against extradition. |
Andrew Symeou, 20, from Enfield, north London, is accused of manslaughter following the death of Jonathan Hiles. | Andrew Symeou, 20, from Enfield, north London, is accused of manslaughter following the death of Jonathan Hiles. |
The 18-year-old from Llandaff North, Cardiff, died after being punched in a nightclub in Zakynthos in 2007. | The 18-year-old from Llandaff North, Cardiff, died after being punched in a nightclub in Zakynthos in 2007. |
Mr Symeou denies the charge and is now appealing to the House of Lords. He said he could prove his innocence. | Mr Symeou denies the charge and is now appealing to the House of Lords. He said he could prove his innocence. |
Last year Mr Hiles's father Denzil said he was frustrated by the lack of progress in the case, as the Greek police knew who the suspect was. | |
'Manufactured evidence' | 'Manufactured evidence' |
However Mr Symeou's lawyers insist the case against him rests on "fabricated evidence". | |
If I had never been born, what happened to Jonathan Hiles would still have happened Andrew Symeou | If I had never been born, what happened to Jonathan Hiles would still have happened Andrew Symeou |
The defence had asked the High Court to block his extradition, which was sought by the Greek authorities under a European Arrest Warrant (EAW). | The defence had asked the High Court to block his extradition, which was sought by the Greek authorities under a European Arrest Warrant (EAW). |
Mr Symeou said: "If I had never been born, what happened to Jonathan Hiles would still have happened. Our paths never crossed. | Mr Symeou said: "If I had never been born, what happened to Jonathan Hiles would still have happened. Our paths never crossed. |
"The case against me has been manufactured and manipulated by the Zante police. | "The case against me has been manufactured and manipulated by the Zante police. |
"I am innocent and I can prove it, but it seems nobody wants to listen." | "I am innocent and I can prove it, but it seems nobody wants to listen." |
An order for the student's extradition was made by District Judge Quentin Purdy in October. | |
Fair trial | Fair trial |
Edward Fitzgerald QC, who appeared for Mr Symeou, claimed the previous order failed to take into account the allegation that witnesses had been pressured into making statements. | Edward Fitzgerald QC, who appeared for Mr Symeou, claimed the previous order failed to take into account the allegation that witnesses had been pressured into making statements. |
He added Mr Symeou had not known of Mr Hiles' death until he returned to England. | He added Mr Symeou had not known of Mr Hiles' death until he returned to England. |
However two of his friends had remained on the island and there was evidence they had been beaten while in custody, said Mr Fitzgerald. | However two of his friends had remained on the island and there was evidence they had been beaten while in custody, said Mr Fitzgerald. |
But the Greek authorities argue Mr Symeou, a Bournemouth University student, will receive a fair trial in the country and that the Greek courts are the correct place to consider all the allegations being made. | But the Greek authorities argue Mr Symeou, a Bournemouth University student, will receive a fair trial in the country and that the Greek courts are the correct place to consider all the allegations being made. |
Mr Hiles fell off a dance podium after losing consciousness when he was punched hard in the face, it is alleged. | Mr Hiles fell off a dance podium after losing consciousness when he was punched hard in the face, it is alleged. |
He suffered a severe brain injury and died two days later from his injuries. | He suffered a severe brain injury and died two days later from his injuries. |
Speaking to BBC Wales last May, Mr Hiles's father Denzil said: "The British police say they can't do anything until the Greeks have finished with the case. | |
"Every day I go to the cemetery. It's ruined his girlfriend's life, and both myself and my wife are on medication. I just want justice for Jonathan." | |
Liberty campaigns coordinator Sabina Frediani said: "No one should be sent anywhere, be it Europe, the US or elsewhere, without a case being made in a local court. | Liberty campaigns coordinator Sabina Frediani said: "No one should be sent anywhere, be it Europe, the US or elsewhere, without a case being made in a local court. |
"British justice should not be circumvented in this way." | "British justice should not be circumvented in this way." |