‘Horrendous’ murder tore family apart

The devastated daughter of murder victim Marion Graham has said the “horrendous” stabbing has torn her family apart.

Shannon Graham was just 15 years old when her then boyfriend, Recep Cetin, 22, stabbed her mother and friend Cathy Dinsmore to death.

Outside Izmir Bayrakli Fifth High Criminal Court yesterday, Ms Graham made a short statement alongside friends and family of both victims.

She said: “I am just satisfied with the result. These murders tore us apart.”

Elsewhere, George Dinsmore, brother of Ms Dinsmore, said he was “relieved and happy” Recep had been given the maximum sentence possible.

“The judges have done everything they can do,” he said. “I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. I am very relieved that we’ve got a verdict and closure.”

Family lawyer Baris Kaska said the post-verdict atmosphere had been more reflective than celebratory.

“The trial is finally over after two years,” he said. “We believe the verdict is right and my clients here are satisfied with the verdict. This is the highest sentence Turkish courts can issue on such a crime.”

He said they planned to appeal the release of Eyup Cetin, father of Recep, but it was “not a priority”.

“In the end, we think it has been a fair trial based on all the evidence collected regarding the incident,” said Mr Kaska.

“They will not comment on the release of other defendant but they are satisfied with the sentence issued for Recep and think justice has been served.”