Death suspect Luke Walker to spend birthday in Crete

Bailed Greek death suspect Luke Walker will be spending his birthday in Crete after prosecutors failed to decide whether he should be allowed home to the Black Country in time.

Walker, who turns 23 tomorrow, is currently on bail with the condition to remain in Greece.

But he has appealed to have the restriction lifted as his family struggle to meet the costs of living in two countries.

He is awaiting trial for causing the death of long-term girlfriend Chelsea Hyndman, aged 20, by actual bodily harm in May last year.

He spent five months behind bars charged with murder before being released on bail when the charge against him was reduced.

His father Patrick, who was due to fly out today to get to Crete in time for his son's birthday, had hoped to get Luke home for Christmas, and said the family were "devastated" they were set to miss yet another special occasion.

"It's very disappointing," he said.

"We were hoping it would all be done and dusted by now and we could make some attempt to get back to normal.

"But it just keeps dragging on."

If he had been allowed home, Walker had planned to see his family - including his elder sister and nephews, who he hasn't seen for almost 11 months - as well as visiting Miss Hyndman's grave in her hometown of Castleford, Yorkshire.

But now, he will spend the day with Patrick and his mother Lindy in their rented apartment in Crete.

"We haven't really made any plans - nothing is open over there at this time of year," Patrick added.

"We'll just spend it together and have a meal. It's heartbreaking really."

The family has spent in excess of £50,000 fighting the case so far, and Mr and Mrs Walker have had to remortgage their home to help pay legal bills.

Miss Hyndman died in hospital after suffering abdominal pains.

Walker was accused of beating her in a "jealous rage" but he claims she was hurt after she fell on a night out.