Man accused of killing bride appeals

THE life of a British businessman accused of killing his Swedish bride on their honeymoon in Cape Town could be put at risk if he is extradited to South Africa, his High Court appeal heard.

Shrien Dewani, 31, who is being treated in a mental hospital for severe depression and stress, is too ill to stand trial, the two judges hearing his appeal against extradition were told.

Dewani, a care home owner from Bristol, is accused of murdering his new wife Anni, 28, in November last year. He denies wrongdoing.

District judge Howard Riddle ruled in August that Dewani could be extradited to South Africa, but said the final word was with the Home Secretary.

Home Secretary Theresa May signed an order in September authorising his extradition to face trial in South Africa but Dewani launched an appeal.

His lawyer Clare Montgomery told the two High Court judges hearing the appeal that his mental health had deteriorated to the point where he was “too ill to be extradited” and was a suicide risk.

She also argued he was at serious risk of violence if kept in custody in South Africa, including sexual violence, at the hands of other prisoners.

Dewani was not present for the hearing in London, which is expected to conclude today.

Montgomery urged the court to discharge the extradition order or adjourn its implementation.