David Hunter Case Proceeds on Murder Charge After Prosecution Last Minute U-Turn on Changing the Charge to Manslaughter

JUSTICE ABROAD

“Here When You Need Us”

Justice Abroad represents Mr David Hunter, a 75-year-old British man who was facing murder charges in Cyprus after the death of his wife who was suffering from terminal blood cancer. Justice Abroad is working with Cypriot lawyers Nicoletta Charalambidou, an experienced human rights advocate, and Ritsa Pekri, a criminal law expert on this case.

Previous hearings of this case were adjourned for agreement on the facts of the case so that the charge could be changed to manslaughter. Following agreement to the prosecution’s versions of the facts, on the day before the hearing the Attorney General decided to go against what was previously agreed.  

For this reason, on 20 December 2022, the murder trial continued with the evidence of the Mayor of Tremithousa, the village in Paphos where David and Janice lived, who was in regular contact with the couple and was their landlord. He stated that that they were popular and trusted neighbours, were in a loving relationship, and that Janice’s pain from her condition increased as time went on.

The matter has now been adjourned for a legal ruling on 22 December 2022 where the Court will set dates for the rest of the proceedings.

Michael Polak, director of Justice Abroad, has stated that:

 “We are very disappointed by the decision of the prosecution to go back on the agreed facts that they had put forward and which had been agreed between the parties so that the charge could be changed to manslaughter. It is clear that the prosecution in this case is attempting to ensure that Mr Hunter receives the highest possible sentence and to prevent mitigating factors, which arise from the evidence in the case, from being put before the Court.

We entered into dialogue with the prosecution in good faith and unfortunately it appears that the case against Mr Hunter is being treated like a game by the Cypriot authorities. Getting justice in Cyprus is always difficult as we have experienced in the past in cases of foreign nationals who have appeared here, however we will continue to fight for David, who continues to suffer, to ensure he gets the best possible result in this very sad case. “

The fact that this matter has now reverted to what will be a long-lasting trial has added to the costs for the family in regard to David’s case. To donate please visit https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/help-bring-david-home/ The family is overwhelmed with the generous donations they have received, and they thank each and every person who has donated.

For any questions in relation to this case please contact Justice Abroad by email at contact@JusticeAbroad.co.uk or phone on +44 (0)203 488 2316.

Notes to Editors

Justice Abroad, www.justiceabroad.co.uk has been set up to help those trying to find their way through foreign justice systems with all the associated hurdles that presents, to represent those facing gross breaches of their human rights no matter where this takes place, and to advise and assist the victims of crimes as to how to achieve justice.

Justice Abroad, run by international lawyer Michael Polak, has assembled a team of top investigators, lawyers, and support staff to provide unparalleled support, advice and guidance, legal, advocacy, and investigatory service for your Justice Abroad issues anywhere in the world.  The Justice Abroad team with their trusted international pool of multilingual experts, their networks, and media contacts and their well-documented determination to leave no stone unturned in the search for the truth and justice for families who have been denied it are here to provide that much needed support for families and individuals in their time of need.