The Tribune

THE murder trial of a British diver has been delayed yet again, more than 11 years after he was shot dead, as prosecutors move to have the accused find new defence counsel.

Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier told The Tribune yesterday that the delay is related to defence counsel Murrio Ducille, KC, who has been involved in the Adrian Gibson trial for about two years and nine months.

“We have asked for an urgent case management to ask that the defendant finds new counsel and a new date preferably this year or latest January be set,” Ms Fraizer said. “Matter adjourned to 1 October for that request.”

The Sun, a British tabloid newspaper, published an article on Tuesday in which it interviewed Gary Vanhoeck’s wife, Kat,, about the latest delay.

According to the report, the Vanhoecks moved from the UK to the Bahamas in 2011 in search of a new life. The couple lived aboard their 36ft yacht, Lucky Break, and worked in the diving industry, spending several years enjoying life in the country.

That life was shattered on May 1, 2015, when masked gunmen boarded the couple’s boat and robbed them. Mr Vanhoeck, 51, was taken from the vessel and shot in the head, while his wife was bound with duct tape before managing to escape and raise the alarm, The Sun reported.

Brian Miller Jr, then 23, was later charged with Mr Vanhoeck’s murder, armed robbery, burglary and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He has denied the charges and has remained on bail as the case has faced repeated delays.

Mrs Vanhoeck continues to seek justice for her late husband.

Speaking to The Sun after the recent court delay , she said: “What do I need to do to get justice?

“It’s like a kick in the teeth. I feel absolutely deflated, annoyed and angry.

“There’s no excuse for it. It’s as if they want me to give up but I won’t.

“I will see this through to the very end. I need answers to get any form of closure.

“Until that happens my life is on hold.”