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Student flown to Greece for trial | Student flown to Greece for trial |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A London student accused of killing a teenager with a single punch in a nightclub has been flown to Greece to face trial. | A London student accused of killing a teenager with a single punch in a nightclub has been flown to Greece to face trial. |
Andrew Symeou, from Enfield, was accused of manslaughter after Jonathan Hiles, 18, from Cardiff, died on the island of Zante in 2007. | Andrew Symeou, from Enfield, was accused of manslaughter after Jonathan Hiles, 18, from Cardiff, died on the island of Zante in 2007. |
Mr Symeou, 20, lost a High Court fight against extradition, after claiming evidence was fabricated. | Mr Symeou, 20, lost a High Court fight against extradition, after claiming evidence was fabricated. |
He surrendered at Belgravia police station and was escorted to Heathrow. | He surrendered at Belgravia police station and was escorted to Heathrow. |
There has been a series of legal challenges against the extradition amid allegations that Greek police beat key witnesses. | |
'No foundation' | |
The House of Lords refused to hear an appeal as the case "did not have an arguable point of law of general public importance". | The House of Lords refused to hear an appeal as the case "did not have an arguable point of law of general public importance". |
Mr Symeou's father Frank Symeou said: "Andrew is ready to face his accusers confident that he is innocent and that the case against him has no foundation in truth." | |
Jonathan Hiles represented the Great Britain roller hockey team | |
Mr Symeou is backed by the charity Fair Trials International. | Mr Symeou is backed by the charity Fair Trials International. |
Chief executive Jago Russell said: "The case against Andrew Symeou is built on mistaken identity, conflicting evidence and a flawed police investigation. | Chief executive Jago Russell said: "The case against Andrew Symeou is built on mistaken identity, conflicting evidence and a flawed police investigation. |
"It is a tragedy that, despite this, the British courts have ordered this young man's extradition to Greece where he could spend months in jail before his case is even heard by a court." | "It is a tragedy that, despite this, the British courts have ordered this young man's extradition to Greece where he could spend months in jail before his case is even heard by a court." |
Fair Trials International says Mr Symeou is "adamant" that he was not in the nightclub at the time of the incident, arriving three hours later. | |
The charity says two of Mr Symeou's friends were "beaten, punched, slapped and threatened" by police officers in Greece until they gave statements implicating him. | |
My son is dead and I want the man who is accused of doing it to face trial for it Denzil Hiles | |
They retracted the statements on their release and informed consular officials about the treatment they received, the charity said. | |
Mr Hiles, who was in Britain's roller hockey team, fell off a dance podium after losing consciousness when he was punched hard in the face, it is alleged. | Mr Hiles, who was in Britain's roller hockey team, 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. |
Last year Mr Hiles's father, Denzil Hiles, told the South Wales Echo that he wanted Mr Symeou to face trial in Greece. | |
Mr Hiles said: "My son is dead and I want the man who is accused of doing it to face trial for it. | |
"If he didn't do it then he will be found innocent, but he's got to go to court." | |
Mr Hiles added: "We have to believe in the Greek justice system. This isn't a Third World country, it is part of Europe." |
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