Dewani extradition blocked

The sister of murdered Anni Dewani says she wants Shrien Dewani to get better so he can travel to South Africa.

High Court judge Sir John Thomas said Dewani's depression and post traumatic stress had worsened after his arrest on December 7 2010 and on February 20 last year he took an overdose.

He was admitted to the Bristol Royal Infirmary and told staff in the A&E department that he did not want to live, but denied to others that he had attempted suicide, said Sir John.

The High Court said it was plainly in the interests of justice that Shrien Dewani should be extradited "as soon as he is fit" to be tried. Care home owner Dewani, from Bristol, strenuously denies any wrongdoing.

The High Court has temporarily halted British businessman Shrien Dewani's extradition to South Africa on mental health grounds.

Two judges in London ruled that it would be "unjust and oppressive" to order the removal of Dewani, who is accused of arranging the contract killing of wife Anni in Cape Town in November 2010 during their honeymoon.

He has been diagnosed with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and severe depression and his lawyers argue that his health and life will be at risk if he is extradited.

Read the high court ruling.

The High Court has temporarily halted British businessman Shrien Dewani's extradition to South Africa on mental health grounds.

At 10.15am Shrien Dewani will find out the ruling of appeal judges in his extradition to South Africa.The British businessman is accused of arranging the murder of his wife on honeymoon in South Africa in November 2010.

In a statement released last night, the Dewani family said the allegations against him were "deeply flawed" and he was determined to return to South Africa to clear his name and seek justice for his wife.

The correct place to demonstrate his innocence was in a court of law, the statement said, adding: "This can only be done when he is well enough and when his personal safety can be guaranteed.

"The family remain hopeful that the British High Court will block any attempt to extradite Shrien until he has fully recovered and it is safe for him to stand trial, if charged."

Shrien Dewani will find out today whether he has won his High Court appeal against extradition to South Africa to face allegations of masterminding the murder of his bride Anni during their honeymoon.

Businessman Dewani, from Bristol, who denies any wrongdoing, is accused of arranging the contract killing of wife Anni in Cape Town in November 2010.

If the appeal is dismissed, Dewani can appeal to the Supreme Court.