David Hunter: Daughter fears Ashington man 'won't survive' as trial for wife's murder delayed again
Report by Katie Cole
The daughter of a Northumberland man accused of murdering his wife has said she fears he will not survive after his trial was set back a second time.
Lesley Hunter told ITV News Tyne Tees she worried for her father's life following a two-minute hearing in Cyprus on Thursday 16 June where the court was told the case would be pushed back to September.
David Hunter, 75, from Ashington, is charged with murdering his wife of 56 years, Janice, at their home in Paphos in December 2021.
At a previous hearing, the court heard Mr Hunter told police he killed his wife to save her from the pain caused by her terminal blood cancer, which had become unbearable.
He also tried to take his own life and spent two weeks in intensive care.
Mr Hunter's daughter said another three months in the Cypriot jail would cause more agony for her father who was not in good health.
"By the time we get to trial he'll have been in prison nine months and it's like torture for him," she said. "It's torture for a grieving, lonely, frightened man."
The trial, which had previously been adjourned so prosecutors and defence could gather more evidence, was due to go ahead on Thursday but was adjourned until 19 September due to another case taking place at the court.
Friends of Mr Hunter have been behind him throughout his ordeal in Cyprus.
Among them are neighbours Helmut and Petra Kesting who attended the latest court hearing.
Mr Kesting said he was shocked by Mr Hunter's condition, adding: "I know him as a very strong man and a fit guy for his age, and now he's changed dramatically."
Friend from home, Barry Kent, was also there to support Mr Hunter, having already travelled out there in April so he could attend the first trial hearing.
He spoke to the former miner inside the court and said he had been overwhelmed by the support he had been shown.
Mr Kent said: "He really, really appreciates all the support. I think they've been really taken aback about the amount of interest and support. He doesn't deserve to be here."
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CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) has a helpline available every day from 5pm to midnight on 0800 58 58 58.
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