Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The father of a Devon man killed with his girlfriend in Thailand has said their killer "cannot expect us to give him any mercy" as he was sentenced to life imprisonment.
The father of a Devon man killed with his girlfriend in Thailand has said their killer "cannot expect us to give him any mercy" as he was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Adam Lloyd, 25, and Vanessa Arscott, 23, were shot dead in the tourist town of Kanchanaburi, known for the infamous bridge over the River Kwai, on 9 September.
Her family said earlier they were "hoping and praying" that police Sergeant Somchai Visetsingha would be found guilty, and today, Adam's father Brian said after the verdict: "No form of punishment will ever bring our children back. We trust that the sentence given to the butcher will be served in full.
"He showed them no mercy and cannot expect us to give him any mercy."
The parents of both victims, along with three other relatives and several friends, sat with a translator in one corner of the courthouse in Kanchanaburi, 70 miles west of Bangkok.
Mr Lloyd said that Somchai was likely to appeal the verdict and that the case could drag on for years.
The handcuffed policeman, wearing black trousers and shirt, sat with his eyes downcast as the judge read a lengthy description of the crime before handing down the sentence. Judge Dilok Boonthawinant said the death sentence was not meted out because during interrogation he confessed to the killings.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments