Witness testimonies delay Krabi sex attack trial

The trial of the man who carried out a shocking sex attack on an American tourist in Krabi on September 1 has been delayed as Phang Nga Provincial Court is seeking further testimony from two local residents who saw the pair together prior to the attack.

Ao Nang Deputy Police Chief, Lt. Col. Winai Poonsawas said on Wednesday, “I was told that the court is waiting for two more witnesses to testify. However, I can confirm that the suspect, 28-year-old Apai Raingworchai, who is facing charges of assault causing serious injury and sexual assault, is still being detained at Phang Nga Provincial Court until his trial begins.”

“The two witnesses said they saw the suspect and the victim, Hannah Gavios, at the beach before they went to the mountain. The court hopes to get all their information as soon as possible so they can proceed with the trial,” Winai said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Winai has also confirmed that Gavios, who was previously in Bangkok Hospital Phuket where she received surgery on her spine following the attack, left the country last week.

“Ms. Gavios left for her hometown in New York last Friday. Her family believed it was best for her to go back home to recover and seek further treatment there. However, I was told that she will return for the trial,” Lt Col Winai added.

Gavios, 23, from Queens, New York, fell 45 meters down a mountain at Railay, in Krabi, while fleeing a sexual attack by Apai on September 1. She told police that she had hired him as a local guide to lead her over the mountain back to her place of stay.

Story: The Phuket News

 

Related:

 

American woman fleeing sexual assault survives 45-meter mountain fall in Krabi

 

45-meter fall, sexually assaulted backpacker Hannah Gavios shares story from hospital bed

 

Police move quickly to trial for man who confessed to sex attack on American backpacker



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