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Families of British backpackers in Thailand for trial of pair killed on beach Families of British backpackers in Thailand for murder trial
(35 minutes later)
The families of two British backpackers killed on a beach in Thailand last year have arrived in the country, as two migrant workers go on trial charged with their murders.The families of two British backpackers killed on a beach in Thailand last year have arrived in the country, as two migrant workers go on trial charged with their murders.
Hannah Witheridge, 23, from Norfolk, and David Miller, 24, from Jersey, were killed on the island of Koh Tao last September.Hannah Witheridge, 23, from Norfolk, and David Miller, 24, from Jersey, were killed on the island of Koh Tao last September.
Burmese migrants Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo – also known as Win Zaw Htun – are due to stand trial on the nearby island of Koh Samui on charges of murder and rape.Burmese migrants Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo – also known as Win Zaw Htun – are due to stand trial on the nearby island of Koh Samui on charges of murder and rape.
Members of both victims’ families spoke of the pain the deaths had caused.Members of both victims’ families spoke of the pain the deaths had caused.
Miller’s family said: “The act which ended David’s life devastated our family and his friends. Miller’s family said: “The act which ended David’s life devastated our family and his friends. Just hours before he died, David was talking to us with his usual enthusiasm, describing the beauty of Koh Tao and the friendliness of the Thai people.
“Just hours before he died, David was talking to us with his usual enthusiasm, describing the beauty of Koh Tao and the friendliness of the Thai people.
“Over the coming weeks we hope to gain a better understanding as to how such a wonderful young man lost his life in such idyllic surroundings in such a horrible way.“Over the coming weeks we hope to gain a better understanding as to how such a wonderful young man lost his life in such idyllic surroundings in such a horrible way.
“This pain will remain a part of us for the rest of our lives. We have borne our thoughts in silence as we have not wanted to influence any court proceedings, but simply want to see justice done fairly and openly.”“This pain will remain a part of us for the rest of our lives. We have borne our thoughts in silence as we have not wanted to influence any court proceedings, but simply want to see justice done fairly and openly.”
Witheridge’s family said they were united in grief with Miller’s loved ones. Witheridge’s family said they were united in grief with Miller’s loved ones. They said: “Hannah was a beautiful person, inside and out, she brought a room alive just being there. She was fun, honest and loved life.
They said: “Hannah was a beautiful person, inside and out, she brought a room alive just being there. She was fun, honest and loved life.
“Her bright future was brutally ended leaving those who loved her broken with no answers. Speculation, rumour and theory have been incredibly hurtful to our family and Hannah’s friends, making an already unthinkable time harder to bear.“Her bright future was brutally ended leaving those who loved her broken with no answers. Speculation, rumour and theory have been incredibly hurtful to our family and Hannah’s friends, making an already unthinkable time harder to bear.
“We of course want to see those responsible for the brutal murder of our precious girl brought to justice.”“We of course want to see those responsible for the brutal murder of our precious girl brought to justice.”
Verdicts in the case are not expected until October.Verdicts in the case are not expected until October.
The investigation into the deaths has been marred by confusion and allegations of police incompetence. The investigation into the deaths has been marred by confusion and allegations of police incompetence. The defendants are said to have confessed under pressure from local police shortly after the killings but have since retracted those statements.
The defendants are said to have confessed under pressure from local police shortly after the killings but have since retracted those statements.