Thailand Murder Victim Given Posthumous Degree in Leeds

A Leeds University student who was murdered in Thailand after finishing three years of study has been awarded a first class engineering degree.

There was a standing ovation when David Miller's mum Sue and girlfriend Jessy Howorth collected it on his behalf on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old was killed on a beach on Koh Tao last September alongside fellow backpacker Hannah Witheridge.

Winthrop Lawhon was on the same Civil and Structural Engineering course as David, and collected his own degree during that ceremony.

“To see him recognised was a great feeling,” he says.

“You felt really sad for the family, it’s hard to believe that something like that would happen. But we all gave a standing ovation. You could feel everyone’s emotions were being expressed in that moment.

“Everyone knows how hard each other worked to try and get the best grade possible. You work hard for that course and I think it’s nice that he got recognition for what he was there to do.”

David had been due to return to Leeds last September to continue with his studies and do a masters qualification. Winthrop says it was strange going back to university with one of the class not being there anymore:

“At first it’s hard to believe. I remember seeing it in the news, and it doesn’t click at first. It’s then when they start showing the photographs you just can’t believe that that happens to someone you know or are that close to. It’s unreal almost.”

The trial of two Burmese men accused of murdering David and Hannah continues in Thailand. Both deny the charges.