Men On Trial Over Leeds Uni Student Beach Death

The trial of two Burmese migrant workers charged with the murders of two British backpackers on a beach in Thailand has begun.

24 year-old David Miller, who was a Leeds Uni student, was travelling with 23 year-old Hannah Witheridge when the were killed on the island of Koh Tao last September.

Their families have travelled to the nearby island of Koh Samui where Burmese migrants Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo, also known as Win Zaw Htun, stand charged with murder and rape.

Verdicts in the case are not expected until October.

The first policeman who was called to the scene of the killings last year, and a doctor who examined the bodies of the two Britons, were the first witnesses called as the trial opened.

The investigation into the deaths has been marred by confusion and allegations of police incompetence.

The defendants are said to have confessed under pressure from local police shortly after the killings but have since retracted those statements.

In statements issued today before the trial began, David Miller's family members spoke of the pain his death had caused.

`The act which ended David's life devastated our family and his friends.

Just hours before he died David was talking to us with his usual enthusiasm, describing the beauty of Koh Tao and the friendliness of the Thai people.

Over the coming weeks we hope to gain a better understanding as to how such a wonderful young man lost his life in such idyllic surroundings in such a horrible way.

This pain will remain a part of us for the rest of our lives. We have borne our thoughts in silence as we have not wanted to influence any court proceedings, but simply want to see justice done fairly and openly.''

Ms Witheridge's family said they were united in grief'' with Mr Miller's loved ones.