Witnesses say they saw British tourist gunned down

Two eyewitnesses testified today against a Thai policeman accused of gunning down two young British tourists, and a prosecution lawyer called it a breakthrough in the case.

The evidence from two Thais who live near the site of last year’s killings, came on the second day of the trial of Sergeant Somchai Visetsingha, who is accused of murdering Adam Lloyd, 25, and Vanessa Arscott, 24, both from Devon, in the popular River Kwai tourist town of Kanchanaburi.

A Thai man and a woman who live in separate homes near the shooting site on a street in Kanchanaburi, 70 miles from Bangkok were two of the four witnesses who testified today.

Both told the court that they saw Vanessa being shot, said prosecution lawyer Sanhawit Saimara.

“The evidence of these two eyewitnesses was a real benefit to our case,” he added.

Two other locals who live near the site of the shooting but were too frightened to leave their homes when they heard the shootings, also gave evidence today.

In the opening day, prosecution witness Nonglak Tarranachart said she saw Mr Lloyd chasing Somchai and kicking him.

The policemen then got into his car and followed the Briton. Later she heard six gunshots.

Her husband said they witnessed the assault from their home but only heard the shots.

Another witness said he saw Somchai trying to pull Vanessa into his car and also heard shots.

He then saw the bodies of both Britons.

The policeman is charged with the premeditated murder of Mr Lloyd, from Torquay, and Vanesssa, from Ashburton, in order to conceal evidence, possession of an unlicensed gun, and carrying a weapon in a public place without permission.

Somchai has pleaded not guilty, but immediately after his arrest he told police that he had killed the tourists.

He said he drew his pistol and shot Mr Lloyd in a fit of fury after the Briton spat in his face during an argument, but that he had not intended to kill Vanessa, whom he unwittingly ran her down as she tried to stop him from fleeing.

After dragging her body for 200 yards, he said he stopped his car and shot her in his panic to escape.

Somchai, who could be sentenced to death if convicted, eluded a massive manhunt for nearly a month, but surrendered to police on October 7.

He petitioned the court without success to have the charges against him downgraded to killing in self-defence and killing without intent – charges that do not carry the death penalty.

The trial was adjourned until February 4 and Somchai remains free on bail.

His lawyer, Sukawee Sangpraew, had said the judge granted bail for health reasons – the defendant allegedly suffers from injuries he said were inflicted by Mr Lloyd – and so that he could help take care of his children.