- Two Burmese nationals accused of killing Jerseyman David Miller and Hannah Witheridge from Norfolk.
- Police investigation shrouded in controversy amid allegations that they tortured the migrant men into confessing.
- Defence lawyer ‘optimistic’ but appealing for British and Burmese witnesses to come forward.
A LAWYER representing two men accused of murdering a Jerseyman and a woman from the UK in Thailand are appealing for British and Burmese witnesses to come forward.
Burmese nationals Wai Phyo and Zaw Lin are accused of killing Islander David Miller (24) and 23-year-old Hannah Witheridge from Norfolk on the holiday island of Koh Tao in September.
The Thai police’s investigation into the murder has been shrouded in controversy amid allegations that they tortured the migrant men into confessing and are using them as scapegoats.
Senior officers maintain they have concrete evidence linking the men to the crime including DNA samples that match those recovered from the body of Miss Witheridge.
Now, Surapong Kongchantuk, one of the lawyers representing the Burmese pair, said he believed that vital witnesses could aid the defence’s case.
‘I am being optimistic about the case,’ Mr Kongchantuk told Asia media earlier this week.
‘If we can get the foreign witnesses we want from Myanmar and the UK, then I am sure we will have enough evidence that will be very useful for the two suspects.’
The defence did not identify the names of the specific witnesses they would like to speak to but it is understood to include other migrant workers from Burma as well as other holidaymakers – who are believed to have returned to Britain – who were known to Mr Miller – a former Victoria College student – and Miss Witheridge.
However, the head public prosecutor in the case said the Burmese men have a strong case to answer with around 65 people willing to testify against the men including police, witnesses and forensic investigators.
The co-accused, who face charges of murder, rape, illegally entering the country and residing without documentation, will next appear in court in July. They deny all the charges.
