Shrien Dewani acquitted in honeymoon murder trial by SA judge

British businessman Shrien Dewani has been cleared of murdering his wife during their South Africa honeymoon, after the judge threw out the case.

Judge Jeanette Traverso said the evidence presented by the prosecution fell "far below the threshold" of what a reasonable court could convict on. Continue...

She said the evidence of the prosecution's main witness was "riddled with contradictions".

Announcing her ruling, the judge said the only reason not to grant the application would be in the hope that Mr Dewani would implicate himself if he gave evidence. But to do so would be a "manifest misdirection", she said.

Anni's family said they had been failed by the justice system.

Ami Denborg, the sister of Anni Dewani weeps as she walks away after making a statement expressing the family's shock at the South African justice system

Mr Dewani, from Bristol, was extradited to South Africa this year to face trial accused of planning the murder of his wife in November 2010.

He listened intently as key evidence against him was criticised by the judge as she gave her ruling over almost three hours.

He is expected back in the UK tomorrow.

Source: BBC