Sarah Groves murder trial is re-scheduled

Day 21 of the case was due to take place on Friday but it has now been re-scheduled for later this month.

Father Vic Groves said the further delay was down to the deployment of police for election duty and also discontent in the area due to elections.

'Not unexpected as there has been a great deal of unrest locally due to the general election which has been taking place in Kashmir over the past few days.

'This has included many fatalities and a strong recommendation for all non-essential travel to the region to be avoided,' he said.

Dutchman Richard de Wit is standing trial in India after pleading not guilty to the 24-year-old's murder.

He also denies fleeing the state illegally.

Hundreds of islanders stopped to remember the former Blanchelande College student last month on 6 April – exactly one year after she was killed on a houseboat in Kashmir.

Events were held across the island, including a commemorative 24-mile cycle ride and an evening of reflection at Saumarez Park.

The next hearing is scheduled for 19 May immediately after the elections in Kashmir are over.

Mr Groves expects five witnesses to be heard in one go.

It comes after he pushed to speed up the trial, which started in July 2013.