Family flies out for Luke Walker's trial over Chelsea Hyndman killing
The family of Luke Walker have flown out to Greece today as he prepares to go on trial next month accused of killing his girlfriend.
His father Patrick and elder brother Ryan have joined Luke's mother Lindy in Crete ahead of the trial, which starts on October 16.
Prosecutors claim Luke, of Brierley Hill, beat Chelsea Hyndman, aged 20, to death in the holiday resort of Malia in 2010.
It is not known how long the trial will last but his family are pinning their hopes on evidence from defence witnesses, including some of her friends.
The 24-year-old has been forced to remain in the country since he was charged. His family has been travelling back and forth to see Luke who has been staying in a rented apartment.
Electrical contractor Mr Walker said the family was "praying" for a positive outcome after months of despair waiting for the case to be heard.
"We have wanted this to arrive for so long but I'm still nervous about it," said the 55-year-old who runs Walkers Electrics.
"I can't remember a normal life, and to have not had Luke back home for so long now is still so upsetting.
"Without the support of the people around here, both financially and emotionally, I don't know what we would have done – they have been great.
"We are just praying that it is all over soon, hopefully by the end of the year but we just don't know yet. "
The couple met three years before her death while working as holiday reps. Luke's defence is that Chelsea's injuries were caused by a fall on a night out rather than, as prosecutors suggest, during a fit of jealous rage by him.
