A Greek helicopter pilot suspected of murdering his British wife after claiming she was killed during a robbery at their home has appeared in an Athens court to give evidence.
Babis Anagnostopoulos arrived at court flanked by armed police on Tuesday morning to testify on what happened on 11 May in Glyka Nera, in northeastern Athens, Greece.
The 33-year-old was arraigned for the killing of Caroline Crouch, 20 – who died of suffocation – after reportedly confessing to the crime to Greek police.
Caroline Crouch and Babis Anagnostopoulos
The pilot initially tried to create a convincing crime scene by placing their baby next to her dead mother, according to police.
He is also accused of choking the family dog to death with its lead in his bid to fool investigators.
Anagnostopoulos, who again wore a white bulletproof vest to court, is expected to issue an apology in the next few hours.
Two lawyers representing Ms Crouch’s family have spoken out in support of the case.
They said: “We have filed a civil lawsuit representing Caroline’s family. For obvious reasons her mother could not come, in the situation she is in, and the statement was made with authorisation.
“You understand the position of the mother who hugged the hands that took her daughter’s breath away. There should be consultation with the perpetrator’s family.”
Babis Anagnostopoulos hugged the grieving mother of his dead wife at her memorial service – just hours before he confessed to being her killer
The lawyers added that Ms Crouch’s family has a “good relationship” with the accused’s family and are in consultation with them.
Anagnostopoulos is charged with two felonies; intentional homicide and killing of an animal, as well as two misdemeanours; repeated false testimony and false report to the authorities.
After attempting to mislead not only the police but the whole nation about the crime, he now says through his lawyers that he regrets and apologises for his actions.