Hannah Witheridge and David Miller found dead on island beach
- Two Burmese bar workers convicted of murder and sentenced to death
- Both say they will appeal the conviction
- Hannah Witheridge and David Miller killed in Thailand in 2014
Court sentences Myanmar pair to death for Koh Tao murders https://t.co/6GcDEduFFSpic.twitter.com/fA0HAnAJPS
— Bangkok Post (@BangkokPostNews) December 24, 2015
#KohTao murder: Witheridge family release statement, unlike Miller family, does not include support for Thai police
https://t.co/RgAnuzIhsF— Jerome Taylor (@JeromeTaylor) December 24, 2015
ADVERTISEMENTA court in Thailand has convicted two Burmese nationals of murdering two British backpackers in September 2014.
The hearing in Koh Samui convicted Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo of killing Hannah Witheridge and David Miller.
The men have been sentenced to death.
At Koh Samui court for the verdicts in the trial of 2 men accused of killing Brits Hannah Witheridge + David Miller pic.twitter.com/gmao4soujA
— David Mercer (@DavidMercerPA) December 24, 2015
Wai Phyo's mother cried loudly n fainted as wardens brought him away. During verdict, both mothers sobbed r consoled to calm down#Koh Tao.
— Achara Ashayagachat (@AAshayagachat) December 24, 2015
Koh Samui Court issues press statement on judgement sentencing Zaw Lin/Wai Phyo to death penalty. Defense to appeal. pic.twitter.com/GwlH9C4YB7
— Andy Hall (@Atomicalandy) December 24, 2015
“Justice has been served” – victim’s relatives
Michael Miller said “the correct verdict” was returned after 2 men were sentenced to death for his brother's murder pic.twitter.com/6mgX1isjBz
— David Mercer (@DavidMercerPA) December 24, 2015
Speaking outside the court, Mr Miller’s relatives said justice had been served:
“We believe that, after a difficult start, the Royal Thai police conducted a methodical and thorough investigation. Having listened carefully to all the evidence and despite what their lawyers say, it is our opinion that the evidence against Wai Phyo and Zaw Ling is absolutely overwhelming” said David Miller’s brother, Michael.
#KohTao murder: Witheridge family release statement, unlike Miller family, does not include support for Thai police
https://t.co/RgAnuzIhsF— Jerome Taylor (@JeromeTaylor) December 24, 2015
The Defence
Myanmar pair guilty of Koh Tao murders, get death sentence https://t.co/Iz7yIKS7QXpic.twitter.com/pmMq7jQBtf
— Bangkok Post (@BangkokPostNews) December 24, 2015
The men claim DNA evidence from the scene was contaminated.
They also say they are being treated as scapegoats due to institutional suspicion about migrant workers.
Their supporters say the men will appeal.
An unsafe conviction?
Calls for protest tomorrow at Thai embassy in Yangon against #KohTao guilty verdict: https://t.co/USxnz1cHO6pic.twitter.com/RDM3oRgsWk— Coconuts Yangon (@CoconutsYangon) December 24, 2015
Important Guardian UK Summary: British backpacker murder case that put Thailand on trial https://t.co/C9zlRubjQp
— Andy Hall (@Atomicalandy) December 24, 2015
Very good summary of some of the serious evidence holes that emerged during the #KohTao murder trial by
pakhead</a> <a href="https://t.co/7gR7ovdrK3">https://t.co/7gR7ovdrK3</a></p>— Jerome Taylor (JeromeTaylor) December 24, 2015
Experts say the case has been poorly handled since the beginning.
It has been claimed the crime scene was not managed correctly and evidence was not properlyl collected.