London student accused of nightclub death faces court

A London student was set to appear in a Greek court today accused of killing a British youth roller hockey player during a nightclub brawl.

Andrew Symeou, 20, from Enfield, was extradited to Greece last week to face trial over the death of 18-year-old Jonathan Hiles. Magistrates at a preliminary hearing will today decide whether to grant him bail.

Mr Hiles, who represented the Great Britain roller hockey team, died during an alleged fight on the Greek island of Zakynthos two years ago. He fell off a podium after losing consciousness when he was punched hard in the face, it is alleged. The teenager, from Cardiff, suffered a severe brain injury and died two days later in a Zakynthos hospital.

Mr Symeou was extradited to Greece last Thursday after losing a long High Court battle to remain here. He, his family, and representatives of the charity Fair Trials International are strongly contesting the charges.

They claim the evidence against him was fabricated by Zakynthos police.