Key witnesses need to be forced to court for truth in Sarah Groves trial, family say
SERIOUS shortcomings have been revealed in the long-running trial of the man accused of murdering Guernsey woman Sarah Groves.
Her parents Kate and Vic said that a recent review has revealed issues 'that fly in the face of justice as the rest of the world understands it'.
'Worryingly, many stand fairly and squarely in the way of a safe outcome – either way,' they said.
'For example, unless key remaining witnesses are forced into court and unless key historic witnesses are recalled for further testimony, we will be no nearer to knowing the truth of what happened almost seven years ago than we were at the time.
'That would be an unacceptable outcome to an unacceptable process, a total insult to Sarah that must be avoided at all costs.'
Miss Groves was killed in Kashmir in April 2013.
Richard de Wit denies her murder.
Saturday saw the 182nd scheduled hearing take place in the Second Additional Sessions Court in Srinagar.
However, despite good progress in recent weeks with the appearance of some witnesses, Saturday once again saw no witnesses attend.
'As has so often been the situation with hearings scheduled on a Saturday, no further progress was possible today due to a complete lack of witnesses in attendance as per summons,' said Mr And Mrs Groves.
However, they added that the judge, 'obviously aware that pressure was being applied to complete proceedings', took the unprecedented step of calling two further hearings this week, which will take place on Wednesday and Thursday.
