Speedboat killer Jack Shepherd to return to the UK

Speedboat killer Jack Shepherd will return to the UK to begin serving his prison sentence after a judge ruled he must be extradited from Georgia.

A court in Tbilisi approved Britain's extradition request on Tuesday after Shepherd said he wished to take part in an appeal against his conviction over the death of 24-year-old Charlotte Brown.

The 31-year-old fled the UK while facing trial, surrending to authorities in Georgia in January, six months after he was convicted of manslaughter in his absence at the Old Bailey.

He had been on a first date with Ms Brown when his speedboat overturned, plunging her into the icy water of the River Thames in London.

Charlotte Brown died after plunging into the icy waters of the Thames when Shepherd's boat crashed during a date in December 2015 Credit: PA

Shepherd's lawyer, Lawyer Tariel Kakabadze confirmed on Tuesday he "is not fighting extradition."

ITV News Correspondent Dan Rivers, who is inTbilisi, said he understood Shepherd's lawyers were "seeking assurances on his safety including that he will be in a cell on his own."

They also originally demanded around the clock video and audio surveillance in his cell, while also requesting the media be given access to him in prison in the UK.

But granting his extradition, the Georgian judge pointed out he had no authority to impose conditions on a British prison.

Ahead of the latest court hearing, Mr Kakabadze had estimated that Shepherd could return to the UK as early as this week.

Charlotte's father Graham has welcomed the news, telling ITV News: "I'm pleased that it appears we are reaching a conclusion and that the court process in Georgia appears to be coming to an end. It brings us nearer to getting justice for Charlotte."

He said: "When Shepherd does come back, hopefully he will start showing some remorse and accept responsibility for his part.

Jack Shepherd's boat capsized in the Thames after hitting a log. Credit: Metropolitan Police

"We're hoping that he won't follow through with his appeal, which causes the family more anguish but I guess that could be a forlorn hope."

He added: "It's been the most devastating experience and we can't forget that at the centre of all of this is our beautiful daughter Charlotte who we lost."

Timeline of events in the Jack Shepherd case:

  • 8 December, 2015: Charlotte Brown killed in speedboat date

  • 2 July, 2018: Trial starts in Shepherd's absence

  • 26 July, 2018: Shepherd found guilty of manslaughter; it is reported that defendant did not attend trial after skipping bail and is in hiding

  • 27 July, 2018: Shepherd sentenced to six years in jail

  • 30 August, 2018: Shepherd launches an appeal against conviction remotely

  • January 9, 2019: Lawyer says he is in contact with Shepherd but will not reveal his location

  • January 23, 2019: Shepherd arrested in Georgia

  • January 25, 2019: Shepherd detained in Georgia for three months as his lawyers say he will fight his extradition

  • March 26, 2019: Shepherd agrees to be extradited back to the UK