Murder trial for man accused of killing Briton Stephen Ashton resumes in Samui today at 13.00

The trial of the Thai man accused of murdering Briton Stephen Ashton resumes today @ 1300hrs. Monday (April 28^th) The court is open to the public. Any support would be appreciated by Stephens family. Thai speakers/spouses are welcome. Dress as per ‘Govt building’ carrying photo ID. A bottle of water is advised as proceedings are expected to last all afternoon.

Mr Ashton, a city trader from Purley, was reportedly caught by a stray bullet during a fight between two groups at a bar on the island of Koh Phangan at a New Years Eve party. Ekkapan Kaewkla, 26, was arrested over the killing and was also suspected of carrying a weapon on the island following the shooting.

Mr Ashton’s family said he was an innocent bystander and were “devastated” by his death, during a party on Haad Rin beach.

A statement issued by the Foreign Office on the family’s behalf said: “As a family we are completely devastated by the loss of Stephen from our lives.

“He has been taken away from us in such cruel and tragic circumstances in which he was an innocent bystander simply enjoying New Year celebrations.

“We are comforted in the thought that he was having a fantastic time with friends after such a difficult period following the loss of his much loved dad who passed away from a brain tumour in 2011 and the loss of his granddad a few months earlier.

“We were all so proud of him; he was a much loved son, brother, grandson and nephew.

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