Speedboat killer Jack Shepherd 'to return to UK so he can fight conviction'

Speedboat killer Jack Shepherd will return to the UK to begin serving his prison sentence after a judge ruled he must be extradited from Georgia.

A court in Tbilisi approved Britain’s extradition request today after Shepherd said he wishes to take part in an appeal against his conviction over the death of 24-year-old Charlotte Brown.

He had been on a first date with Ms Brown when his speedboat overturned, plunging her into the icy waters of the River Thames, and fled the UK while facing trial at the Old Bailey.

In his absence, the 31-year-old was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to six years in jail, but he has been granted permission to appeal the conviction.

After months in hiding in the capital, Tbilisi, he handed himself into police and was jailed for three months.

His lawyer in Georgia, Tariel Kakabadze, told the Press Association: “He is not fighting extradition.”

No date has been set yet for Shepherd’s appeal hearing.

The family of Ms Brown, from Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, have fought a battle for justice following her death in December 2015.

Charlotte’s father Graham Brown said the extradition brings the family “a bit closer” to winning justice for Ms Brown.

“When Shepherd does come back, hopefully he will start showing some remorse and accept responsibility for his part,” Mr Brown told ITV News.

“We’re hoping that he won’t follow through with his appeal, which causes the family more anguish, but I guess that could be a forlorn hope.”

Shepherd, a web designer originally from Exeter, has been detained in a Tbilisi prison after he handed himself in to the authorities last month.

Prosecutor Naniko Zazunashvili said: “He knew the boat was not in good working order and knew Charlotte Brown had no skills to control the boat – and he let her control the boat.

“While being on board the boat Jack Shepherd took obligation to take care of Charlotte Brown, but this obligation was violated.

Ahead of the latest court hearing, Mr Kakabadze had estimated that Shepherd could return to the UK as early as this week.