Honeymoon killers sentence delayed

Two men who murdered a British couple on their honeymoon will not be sentenced until at least next month, officials in Antigua have confirmed.

Welsh newlyweds Ben and Catherine Mullany, 31, were gunned down on the Caribbean island a fortnight after they had tied the knot in 2008.

Today their killers - Kaniel Martin, 23, and Avie Howell, 20 - arrived at the island's High Court in St Johns for the third time since their murder convictions.

However, Antigua's Director of Public Prosecutions said while psychiatric reports on the pair had been completed matters had once again been adjourned.

An official said: "The reports have now been completed. Sentencing is due to take place on November 11."

Next month's hearing will be the fourth time Martin and Howell have been brought back to court following their conviction for murdering the Mullanys and a local shopkeeper.

University of West England physiotherapy student Mr Mullany and his wife, a doctor working at Morriston Hospital, Swansea, died after being shot in the head on July 27, 2008.

After killing the couple, who lived in Rhos near Pontardawe, Martin and Howell stole an inexpensive mobile phone, a cheap digital camera and a small quantity of cash.

London Imperial College graduate Mrs Mullany died instantly, while Mr Mullany was flown back to south Wales on a life support machine.

But despite the best efforts of his wife's colleagues at Morriston Hospital, he died a week after being shot.

Their killers were finally be brought to justice, after a series of legal delays, on the third anniversary of the couple's shooting.

Following the completion of Martin and Howell's two month long trial - which also saw them convicted of murdering shopkeeper Woneta Anderson - Antiguan prosecutors said they would "reserve judgment" on whether they would seek the death penalty.

Sources close to Mr Mullany's family said while they were content the killers of their son and daughter-in-law were behind bars, they were keen to see legal proceedings finally come to a close.

In the meantime, the Mullanys' relatives have said they will continue to keep the couple's memory alive through a charity set up in their name.

The Mullany Fund provides financial assistance to UK students studying medicine or physiotherapy.

A spokeswoman for the charity said: "Ben and Cath's values and ambitions will serve as inspiration for others who wish to follow in their footsteps."

PA