Luke Walker's parents will sell house to pay for appeal

As 25-year-old Luke prepares to pack to fly home to the West Midlands, his father, speaking to the Express & Star from Crete, has revealed that their Brierley Hill home must go on the market.

Luke was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm, leading to the death three years ago of his 20-year-old girlfriend Chelsea Hyndman on the Greek island.

An eight-year prison sentence imposed by the court was suspended when he immediately lodged an appeal against conviction – on condition that he raises 10,000 euros (£8,552) bail surety within 10 days. Until the bail money is posted he has to remain in Crete.

But he hopes to be able to come home some time next week after his 81-year-old grandmother, Betty Walker, pledged to donate as much as possible of the bail cash needed. Patrick Walker and Luke's mother, 61-year-old Lindy, have already remortgaged their Brierley Hill home – but the 'for sale' sign will soon be up outside.

"We will rent somewhere in the area," said Mr Walker, aged 57, who runs Walker's Electrics.

"Selling our house will pay our debts off and the £15,000 to £20,000 will pay for this next trial. It will allow us to work without having to constantly pay off debts.

"I don't want to sell my house – but it's three years on and we have to keep going to prove Luke is innocent."

The case has already cost the family a colossal amount of around £300,000 in legal bills and travel expenses for themselves and court witnesses as they fight Luke's case.

The Walkers had already remortgaged their home and family and friends have rallied over the three years since Luke's arrest to organise fund-raising events that have chipped in around £50,000 towards the fight.

It is expected that it could take a year before a new trial at the appeals court in Crete, with the legal bill still spiralling.

"He's not guilty, I know in my heart he's not guilty, " said Mr Walker.