Briton sentenced over stepson’s death in Phuket

PHUKET: A British man sentenced to 18 months in prison for the accidental death of his Thai stepson in 2007 plans to appeal the ruling.

The judge ruled that UK national David Murray, 40, used excessive force in trying to discipline his stepson Narid “Curly” Budtharai, who was eight years old when he died of head injuries.

The trauma occurred at Mr Murray’s home at the Moo Baan Irawadee, in the Ketho area of Kathu District on the night of July 12, 2007.

He was released on bail six weeks later.

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The judge sentenced Mr Murray to three years in prison, but immediately reduced the jail time by half.

Among the 15 people present to hear the ruling read out at 2pm today was the the deceased boy’s mother, Ramida Murray.

The judge said that on the night of Curly’s death, Mr Murray hit the boy with a length of PVC pipe when he refused to answer why he had disappeared from the home that day.

The boy said he was sorry and clung to Mr Murray’s leg to ask for forgiveness, but the Briton kicked him away. Curly later died of head trauma sustained when his head hit hard on the edge of a table.

Mr Murray’s passport is still with police and he is not allowed to leave the country.

He declined to comment on the ruling as he walked out of the courthouse today, saying he would speak to the press only when the case is over.

— Atchaa Khamlo