Janice Hunter case: Murder accused's confession questionable - lawyer

Janice and David Hunter had been together for 56 years

A lawyer representing a man accused of murdering his wife in Cyprus has questioned the circumstances under which he confessed to the killing.

David Hunter, 75, originally from Northumberland, is accused of killing 75-year-old Janice Hunter in December.

Mr Hunter's legal team said the death of his wife, who had blood cancer, was assisted suicide and his mental state had not been taken into account.

The trial was due to begin later but has been postponed until 19 September.

Mr and Mrs Hunter had moved from Ashington to Paphos - which, according to their daughter, they called their "paradise" - when he retired from mining 20 years ago.

His legal team said Mr Hunter killed his wife to end her suffering from blood cancer and then tried to take his own life.

The couple were "properly in love", according to their daughter

Mr Hunter's lawyer, Nicoletta Charalambidou, told the BBC he had made a confession when he was first arrested.

However, police had failed to consider Mr Hunter's mental state at the time and that he was under the influence of drink and drugs when he spoke to officers, she said.

"His mental condition was never actually taken into account when he gave the statement."

Ms Charalambidou added it was "important" to know whether he understood his "rights" at the time.

"We consider this is a matter which should be separately examined by the court - probably a trial within trial - the extent to which rights were granted and applied properly," she said.

David Hunter is "putting a brave face on" but is "absolutely devastated", a friend says

Lesley Cawthorne, Mr Hunter's daughter, described her father as a "devoted husband" and a good man who did not deserve to be jailed for the rest of his life.

Barry Kent, Mr Hunter's friend since childhood, told the BBC: "He's putting on a brave face for people [but] I think behind the scenes he's pretty scared.

"He's not well, we all know that. He's absolutely devastated."

Analysis

By Fiona Trott, BBC News, Cyprus

When David Hunter walked into court, his friend of 60 years - Barry Kent - said he was a shadow of his former self.

They bumped fists and the 75-year-old murder suspect sat down, his eyes open wide above a face mask.

I asked Mr Hunter how he felt and he said he was nervous but happy to see his old mining pal.

When I told him about the donations made for his legal fees, his eyes filled with tears.

"I am really touched by the generosity of strangers," he said.

He then talked about prison life and how hot it was.

"Sometimes I just sit on the bed thinking about things," he added.

"There are gaps."

The police officer took him to face the judges, where a translator explained the trial was adjourned.

The hearing took about 10 minutes, but for David Hunter, that means another three months in custody.