Speedboat killer Jack Shepherd hands himself in to police in Georgia
Written by News on 23/01/2019
A fugitive who went on the run before he was convicted over the death of a woman on his speedboat has handed himself in to police in Georgia.
Jack Shepherd appeared to smile to TV cameras as he entered the police station in the European country’s capital Tbilisi.
The 31-year-old, originally from Exeter, was sentenced to six years in prison after he was found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter in July 2018.
He denied the charge but was convicted in his absence.
Charlotte Brown, 24, was killed when Shepherd’s speedboat overturned in the River Thames during a first date in December 2015.
An international manhunt started last year after he fled before the start of his three-week Old Bailey trial.
There had been reported sightings of Shepherd in Thailand and Turkey before he handed himself in to police on Wednesday.
The Metropolitan Police has said “extradition proceedings” will begin immediately if the man in Tbilisi is confirmed to be Shepherd.
The force said: “We have received information from the National Crime Agency that Jack Shepherd, who is wanted on an international arrest warrant, is in the custody of police in Georgia.
“His identity has yet to be officially confirmed.”
Sopho Mdinaradze, a spokeswoman for Georgia’s interior ministry, said: “I confirm that Jack Shepherd handed himself to Georgian police today, 30 minutes ago.”
She added that he “will be detained and afterwards legal procedures will be launched into his extradition to the UK”.
Ms Brown’s father Graham wrote on Facebook: “Just been informed that Jack Shepherd has been arrested in Georgia.
“Justice for Charlotte is close!”
Shepherd was trying to impress Ms Brown after they met on the dating site OkCupid, but the boat flipped over after he handed her the controls.
Ms Brown was recovered from the water unconscious.
Shepherd was rescued after being found clinging to the upturned hull.
He has handed himself in a day after Ms Brown’s father, mother and sister met with the home secretary.
Sajid Javid made a “personal commitment” to ensure the fugitive was arrested.
The family had wanted to know what could be done to gain digital forensic evidence from Shepherd’s contact with his lawyer, as they believe this could have help pinpoint his location.
The fugitive’s lawyer Richard Egan had refused to reveal where he is and helped him appeal against his conviction while he was on the run.
Mr Brown told reporters afterwards: “Our message is clear – there can be no hiding place for Jack Shepherd.”
He added: “The family will not rest until justice is done and Shepherd is held to account for the loss of our beautiful daughter.”
(c) Sky News 2019: Speedboat killer Jack Shepherd hands himself in to police in Georgia
