Five to stand trial over death of Indian sailor in Fawley (From Daily Echo)

Five to stand trial over death of Indian sailor in Fawley

8:04am Monday 23rd February 2009 in

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FIVE teenagers charged in connection with the death of an Indian sailor in a Hampshire village are due to go on trial today.

Gregory Fernandes, 32, a crewman aboard a vessel that visited Fawley refinery in October 2007, died after enjoying a night out in a village.

He and a shipmate had been for a drink at Falcon Hotel and were walking back to the refinery when they were allegedly attacked.

His uncle, Father Diogo Fernandes, later flew over from his home in the US to pray near the spot where the sailor collapsed and died.

Hundreds of people turned out for the funeral of Mr Fernandes, a merchant seaman who was a popular and well-respected member of the community in his home village in the coastal region of Goa.

The service was held three months to the day after his death. Delays were caused because lengthy scientific tests were needed to determine what killed him. That meant police could not release his body.

Three teenagers who were aged 15 and 17 at the time of the incident have been charged with murder, grievous bodily harm and violent disorder. Two other defendants are accused of grievous bodily harm and violent disorder.

Today’s proceedings at Winchester Crown Court are expected to be dominated by legal argument.