Wife murder suspect Dewani facing extradition

HONEYMOON murder suspect Shrien Dewani, from Bristol, should be extradited to South Africa to face trial over his wife’s death, a magistrate has ruled.

Shrien Dewani's wife Anni died during their honeymoon in South Africa. Picture: PA

Chief Magistrate Howard Riddle told Westminster Magistrates’ Court that the 33-year old businessman should return to the country, despite arguments by his defence team that he could suffer setbacks in his mental health if sent back now.

They argued that the decision should be delayed by six months.

The courtroom was packed with Mrs Dewani’s relatives, who wore photographs of her pinned to their clothes, decorated with pink ribbons.

District Judge Riddle said: “It is not in question that Shrien Dewani will be returned to South Africa. The treating clinicians continue to state that Mr Dewani will recover.

“There has been recovery, but it has been slow. It may be a long time before Mr Dewani is fit to plead, but he may be closer to that point.

“It is not impossible that if returned now, then after a reasonable period of further treatment and assessment he will be found fit to plead and a trial can take place.”

Dewani has undergone treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression since his wife’s death.