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VIDEO: Khuram murder trial: PS chairman convicted

18 Jul 2014 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Former Tangalle Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Sampath Chandrapushpa Vidana Pathirana and three others found guilty of the murder of British tourist Khuram Sheik and of raping his Russian girlfriend Victoria Alexandrovna were sentenced to 20 years rigorous imprisonment on each of the two counts a short while ago.

The tragedy had occurred at the Tangalle Resort on December 24, 2012.

Colombo High Court Judge Rohini Walgama sentenced the accused: Lahiru Kelum, Saman Deshapriya, former Tangalle PS Chairman Sampath Chandrpushpta Vidana Pathirana and Prageeth Chaturanga for 40 years RI on the charge of murder and rape with the jail terms to run concurrently.

The Judge acquitted M. Sarath alias Sahan and W. Chaturanga of the charges on the grounds that they were not proved beyond reasonable doubt.

Before delivering judgment, the Judge addressed the prosecution and the defence saying that more than anyone else it was she who had to face many challenges during this case. She said the trial began on April 3 and took her three and half months to conclude. The Judge said even though this was a special case unlike other such cases where they were heard before a jury or at a trial-at-bar but where this case was concerned she was on her own.

She thanked the prosecution and the defense counsel for the manner in which they presented their arguments and assisted her during the trial.

The Judge thanked the stenographers who worked round the clock in preparing the lists of witness and noting their evidence.

High Court Judge Walgama said she did not consider sitting on this case as a duty but as an obligation entrusted to her by God. She said she did her best not to be prejudiced by what appeared in the media and passed sentenced after contentiously weighing the evidence and urged those convicted of the crime to look deep into their conscience before appealing her judgement.(FT)

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VIDEO: Khuram murder trial: PS chairman convicted

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