A 22-year-old Turkish waiter has admitted he killed Irish mother Marion Graham because he feared for his relationship with her daughter.
Recep Cetin admitted killing Graham and her best friend Kathy Dinsmore in Turkey in 2011. The two women, both aged 53, were stabbed to death after he lured them to the woods on the outskirts of Izmir in west Turkey two years ago.
Cetin, who had been dating Graham's daughter Shannon, told a Turkish court that he was 'full of regret’ for his actions.
'I was young and naive. I was in love,' he said. 'I did not plan this in advance as the prosecution claim. I committed the murders under severe provocation. I did it so I would not lose my girlfriend. I only ask for a fair trial and hope God will forgive me.'
According to the Evening Herald, Graham and Dinsmore who were both from Newry, County Down, had reportedly tried to warn Cetin away from Shannon, who was 15 at the time.
The bodies of the women were found in the woods after his attack, they both suffered multiple stab wounds.
Prosecutors have reportedly asked for Recep Cetin and his father Eyup, who is also accused of murder, to be given life sentences in solitary confinement. Eyup Cetin has claimed his innocence.
The 43-year-old claims that secret witness evidence placing him at the scene of the crime was contradictory.
He added: ‘I am innocent but I have been in prison for two years. My command of Turkish is poor so I can't defend myself adequately.
‘I accept any sentence the court will give if there is any evidence showing my involvement in this incident.’
Relatives of the two Irish victims did not attend yesterday’s hearing. The trial was reportedly adjourned to October 2, when a verdict is expected.
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