Death-sentence pair convicted over Koh Tao murders launch DNA appeal

Monday 23 May 2016

Two men facing the death penalty for murdering Jerseyman David Miller and Hannah Witheridge from the UK on a beach on the Thai resort island of Koh Tao have lodged an appeal citing flaws over DNA evidence.

The pair – Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo – were convicted at the end of a long trial on Christmas Eve for the murdering David and raping and murdering Hannah in September 2014.

Their lawyers have now filed an appeal against their convictions, citing inconclusive DNA evidence, saying that they were beaten and tortured, and claiming that the pair were not initially allowed to talk to lawyers or translators after their arrests.

Reports in the national press say that a 198-page appeal was lodged at the Koh Samui courthouse where the case was heard this morning.

Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo are both being held at the Bang Kwag prison in Bangkok.

When they were convicted, David’s family gave a statement outside of the court to say that justice had been done in the case.

Speaking on behalf of parents Ian and Sue, David’s brother Michael said: “We respect this court and it's decision completely. It is our opinion that the evidence against Wai Phyo and Zaw Lin is absolutely overwhelming.

“They raped to satisfy their selfish desires and murdered to cover up that fact. They have shown no remorse during the trial. We believe the correct verdict has been reached.”