Prosecutors request life term in Kercher murder trial

Prosecutors requested life sentences today for an American student and her former Italian boyfriend accused of killing a young British woman.

Prosecutor Giuliano Mignini asked a jury in Perugia to convict Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito on charges of murder and sexual violence for their alleged role in the 2007 death of Meredith Kercher. They deny the charges.

Knox, from Seattle, took a deep breath when Mr Mignini made his request.

She then addressed the court, saying that the accusations against her were “pure fantasy”.

“Meredith was my friend, I didn’t hate her,” she said in Italian, fighting back tears.

Mr Mignini argued that Knox, Sollecito and a third man who was convicted in a separate trial killed Kercher during a drug-induced sex game.

The Briton’s body was found on the morning of November 2, 2007, in the apartment she shared with Knox.

A verdict is expected early next month.