Luke Walker's hopes fade on funeral

The fight for freedom by Black Country murder suspect Luke Walker was today resuming with a renewed urgency after the body of his girlfriend who he is accused of killing was released for her funeral.

Walker, aged 22, of Brierley Hill has been charged with the murder of Chelsea Hyndman, aged 21, by Greek authorities but maintains his innocence.

He was today facing a race against time to clear his name in time to say a final goodbye to his girlfriend of three years.

Miss Hyndman's body was due to be released today after the opening and adjournment of an inquest.

It comes after the results of a third post-mortem examination were inconclusive.

Patrick Walker, Luke's father hopes the findings will discredit Greek doctors who claimed Miss Hyndman's injuries were caused by physical violence.

However he added the release of Miss Hyndman's body was a blow to his son's hopes of attending her funeral.

Speaking to the Express & Star, Mr Walker said: "They have released her body so the family can arrange the funeral.

"That is going to knock Luke back. He was hoping to go but that is unlikely now.

"It is a race against time but I don't think we're going to win that race."

Miss Hyndman died on May 17. Walker was charged with murder by Greek police but he claims his girlfriend was injured after falling heavily on a beer glass on a girls' night out.