Honeymoon murder suspect to be extradited despite jail sex-abuse risk

A BUSINESSMAN implicated in the honeymoon death of his wife could stand trial for her murder after a court ruled he can be extradited to South Aftrica.

Shrien Dewani, 31, is accused of ordering the car-jacking and shooting which left Anni Dewani, 28, dead in a taxi in Cape Town last November.

Dewani denies any involvement and has fought extradition proceedings, arguing that he is suffering from severe post-traumatic stress disorder and is too unwell to be extradited.

However District Judge Howard Riddle said yesterday that the "court must consider the strong public interest in honouring our extradition treaty".

He said he had "no doubt" that Dewani is suffering from severe post-traumatic stress disorder and depression and is at high risk of suicide or self-harm.

But he said he was satisfied he would receive the appropriate levels of mental health care at the hands of the South African authorities.

He took more than two hours to read out his judgment at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court in London, beginning with evidence relating to the serious problems with overcrowding, violence and sexual violence in South African jails.

He said Dewani, whom he described as "good-looking, youthful and physically well-preserved", would be particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse, adding: "There has been some suggestion that he may be gay."

But although many prisons are ill-equipped to deal with the mentally ill and inmates are at high risk of contracting HIV or Aids, the judge said he was satisfied that Dewani would be held in a prison with good facilities and be kept in a single cell.

Anni's parents, Vinod and Nilam Hindocha, surrounded by their family and friends, were in court to witness proceedings.

Speaking outside after the hearing, her father Vinod said the decision was "one step to closure".

He said: "I would like to thank the British justice system for the decision, which I believe is a fair one."

He said it was not about Dewani, but "it's about my beautiful daughter Anni, not forgetting her.

"I'm sure she'd be very, very happy today to hear the decision. I wish Shrien a very speedy recovery so he can now put his head down and help the police and clear his name."

Anni's sister, Ami Denborg, added: "Nothing will bring back my beautiful little innocent sister who was killed. But getting this decision today at least we will get somewhere."

Describing the past few months, she added: "It's been a nightmare. Today we feel very happy about the decision."As he concluded his findings, the judge praised the family for their "quiet dignity throughout these hearings".

His application to extradite Dewani will now be passed to Home Secretary Theresa May for her to make the final decision.

Care home owner Dewani faces charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and obstructing the administration of justice.

The judge said it should now be for the South African courts to decide if he is guilty.

"Either Mr Dewani arranged for his new bride to be brutally murdered or he himself has been the victim of a terrible tragedy," he said.

On 20 February, Dewani, who has been staying at Fromeside Clinic, a secure mental health hospital in Bristol, was admitted to Bristol Royal Infirmary after taking an overdoseDewani denies any wrongdoing and argued he may not be safe if held in a South African prison.