Dewani suffers relapse

The Bristol businessman accused of being involved in his wife's murder in South Africa has been sectioned for another 12 months but a full extradition hearing will still go ahead in July.

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Shrien Dewani suffers a relapse

Shrien Dewani at a bail hearing in February 2011 Credit: Yui Mok/PA Wire

A court has heard that a Bristol businessman accused of being involved in the murder of his wife while on their honeymoon in South Africa has had a relapse. Shrien Dewani, who is 33, is being treated at a hospital in Bristol for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.

Westminster Magistrates' Court was told he was taken off medication after a bad reaction. He has been sectioned for another 12 months under the Mental Health Act.

A full extradition hearing will still go ahead on 1 July.

Anni Dewani was shot when the taxi the couple were using was hijacked in a Cape Town township in 2010. Mr Dewani denies any involvement in her death.

Three South African men have been jailed for life over Mrs Dewani's murder.

Dewani "terrified of car travel"

Shrien Dewani's mental health has worsened, according to his lawyer Credit: Yui Mok/PA Wire

A Bristol businessman wanted in South Africa over the honeymoon murder of his wife in a taxi is now terrified of travelling by car, his lawyer told a court today.

Shrien Dewani is currently being treated in a secure mental health hospital for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder so he can be extradited to face the charges.

Dewani's 28-year-old wife Anni was shot when a taxi the couple were travelling in was hijacked in the Gugulethu township on the outskirts of Cape Town in 2010.

His lawyer, Clare Montgomery, told Westminster Magistrates' Court the symptoms he's suffering have worsened, making him a "husk of a man".

She said: "He cannot travel by car as he has a severe reaction, he doesn't want to get into a travelling car or go outside.

"He doesn't even want to go to the shops on his own," she added as the conditions of his bail were discussed.

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Anni's family speak out

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Dewani family "there has been a lot of delays and it's very painful for us. We just want Shrien to get better so he can go to SA"

From @ITVCordelia on Twitter:

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Dewani family statement

The Dewani family are grateful that the High Court has upheld the appeal and blocked any attempt to extradite Shrien to South Africa now.

Shrien is innocent and is determined to return to South Africa to clear his name and seek justice for his wife Anni

The High Court has confirmed that extradition now would be “unjust and oppressive”. Shrien can only return to South Africa when he is well enough and when his personal safety can be guaranteed.

The matter is still before the Courts and so it would be inappropriate to comment further.

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