Backlund murder trial enters final days

PHUKET: The final hearing of witnesses in the Hanna Backlund murder trial will be held this Friday, Phuket Provincial Court Registrar Sittipong Engchuan told the Gazette today.

Akaradech Tongay is accused of stabbing Ms Backlund to death in broad daylight at Mai Khao Beach on March 15.

He will be given a final chance to add to his confession and Pol Lt Col Somkit Khaosan from Tah Chat Chai Police Station, one of the police officers investigating the case, will give testimony based on his investigations.

Col Somkit told the Gazette today that he had received the results of the DNA test on the blood found on the knife that was used to kill Ms Backlund, but added that he cannot reveal those results until he is in court this Friday.

If the DNA test results identify Akaradech as Ms Backlunds killer, the court intends to set a date for sentencing him within one month, Registrar Sittipong said.

Akaradech is currently being detained at Phuket Provincial Prison as bail has been denied.