Khuram Sheikh’s murder: Appeal and counter appeal withdrawn

The appeal petitions filed by the Attorney General against the sentences imposed on three convicts for the murder of British aid worker Khuram Sheikh were not sufficient and were withdrawn before Court of Appeal yesterday.

The Attorney General decided to withdraw these appeals following the three accused’s decision to withdraw their appeals which were filed challenging the judgement of the Colombo High Court to convict them over the murder of British aid worker Khuram Sheikh. Following the withdrawal of the appeal petitions, the 20-year-Rigorous Imprisonment sentence against the three accused including Tangalle Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Sampath Chandrapushpa Vidanapathirana will be effective since the date the three accused were convicted.

The Court of Appeal bench comprised Appeal Justices Shiran Goonaratne and Priyantha Fernando.

However, the appeal filed by second accused Saman Deshapriya was not withdrawn and thereby his appeal was fixed for inquiry.

The four convicts, former Tangalle Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Sampath Chandrapushpa Vidanapathirana, Lahiru Kalum, Saman Deshapriya and Prageeth Chaturanga who were found guilty of killing British tourist Khuram Shaikh in December 2011 and for raping and brutally assaulting his fiancée while holidaying at the tourist resort of Tangallewere sentenced by the Colombo High Court.

While requesting to amend the punishments given to the convicts, the AG also suggested that these convicts should be given the death sentence or life imprisonment as they committed the murder using weapons as members of an unlawful assembly. Deputy Solicitor General Thusith Mudalige appeared for the Attorney General. President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa with Anil de Silva PC and Counsel Darshana Kuruppu appeared for the accused. 



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