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The parents of a Guernsey woman who was found stabbed to death on a house boat in India more than a decade ago have have told Express they feel utterly "helpless" as they near the end of another year without justice.
Richard de Wit was arrested in April 2013, and the alleged killer's trial remains suspended in Kashmir.
He has been in custody ever since, but Vic Groves yesterday confirmed to Express that the trial is still suspended, and has been since July 2021.
"...What many people will be surprised is that the trial has never ceased," he said.
"It's still in this limbo. Since 3 July, or thereabouts, 2021, which is three-and-a-half years ago now, it's been officially suspended.
"They meet every month, technically, and in theory, they get a medical report [on Richard de Wit] every month. We used to see it, but we're not able to see it anymore, unfortunately. So that raises a few doubts in our mind about the legitimacy of it."
Pictured: Sarah Groves was killed in Kashmir on 6 April 2013 while travelling around India.
Mr Groves said he and his wife have also experienced difficulty in working with the UK's Foreign Office in their quest for justice.
The Foreign Office represents British nationals overseas, including residents of the Crown Dependencies.
"We are pressing the Foreign Office for a lot more information," said Mr Groves. "We were lucky enough to meet with David Cameron in the summer. We had a long meeting with him, which was actually very productive, but unfortunately, it was 10 days before he had to hand the reins over to another government."
"He was so keen to help, so engaged," added Mrs Groves.
Listen: The family spoke about their ordeal in a podcast.
But that progress was fruitless, as the former Prime Minister who became Foreign Secretary for a brief while, is no longer in that position.
Mrs Groves said that they were told the information shared with Lord Cameron would be shared with his successor, but they don't know if that happened as they've not heard anything since.
"We're struggling with the Foreign Office," said Mr Groves, "because we don't honestly think...we think there's a little bit more that can be done to put the pressure on in India."
One of the repercussions of the ongoing delay in the criminal trial of Mr de Wit is that the inquest into Miss Groves death remains open.
It can't be closed until there is a verdict in the case in India, and there's an official reason for her death, aged 24 in April 2013.
"That is one of the things I really want to close," said Sarah's mother. "I can't influence very much. I'm trying to, but it's like hitting your head against a brick wall. It is so difficult."
Her husband added: "What happens if the case collapses? What happens if he's found not guilty? What happens if he dies in custody?
"All these things, we can't get any answers to. And everyone here, Ruairi Hardy [former Head of Bailiwick Law Enforcement] before he retired, and Megan Pullum (Procurer), they've been trying to liaise with the UK and the UK claim to liaise with India."
Pictured: Sarah Groves was killed in April 2013 while travelling in India.
"In the old days, we used to be able to talk straight to India. So we've tried really hard.... helpless is the word," said Mr Groves. "Hopefully next year will bring some positives."
The foundation launched in Sarah Groves' name, following her death in 2013, has gifted bicycles to 30 children in Guernsey this Christmas.
Mr and Mrs Groves worked with organisations working with families and youngsters to ensure those receiving them remain anonymous.
The bikes were sourced through Ian Brown's and will be distributed ahead of Christmas Day.
Sarah Groves: A decade since her death
Sarah Groves: The Foundation is her "legacy"
Sarah Groves: Constant delays and disruption
Sarah Groves: The ongoing wait for justice
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