We couldn’t let horror of case distract us (From Daily Echo)

We couldn’t let horror of case distract us

10:21am Wednesday 26th November 2008 in

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THE man who led the police hunt for Hannah’s killer has told how he had to blank out the horror of what happened to her as he worked to bring her killer to justice.

Detective Superintendent Alan Betts said there was no room for personal feelings, for the risk of interfering with his judgment and potentially affecting the case.

He told the Daily Echo: “There is always the risk it could distract you and for me it was a case of keeping going and getting the job done professionally.

“What he did was horrendous – I cannot think of anything worse. The satisfaction is knowing you have done a good job and therefore getting the right result in court so that Hannah’s family can, at last, begin to draw a line under this part of their ordeal.”

Speaking after the case, Det Supt Betts said justice had only been done thanks to the determination of Hannah’s parents as well as Hampshire police.

He said: “Hannah Foster was a beautiful, intelligent young woman with a lifetime of opportunities ahead of her. These were taken away from her by the despicable acts of Kohli, which shocked the whole community and have had a significant impact on the lives of many people, both in this country and in India.

“The prosecution team of police, CPS and counsel have worked tirelessly to put together and present the case which has led to today’s conviction after five-and-a-half years. Vitally, I would like to thank the public who greatly assisted this investigation by calling in with information in response to our appeals, and in particular those who gave evidence during the trial.

“Our thoughts today are with Hannah’s family. They and we may get some satisfaction that Kohli has been convicted but it will not bring Hannah back.”