Afghan boxer accused of killing Scottish aid worker back in court

An Afghan boxer, Sharif Ahmadzai, is back in court facing charges of homicide, robbery and weapons offences after allegedly killing 38-year-old Scottish aid worker Elisabeth Ross in Greece. The body of Ms Ross was found in a suitcase in Athens on July 18. Ms Ross's wife, Alaina Hall, provided crucial information to police, including location data that placed Ahmadzai and Ms Ross together at the same apartment on July 15 - the day prosecutors say the murder took place.

Ahmadzai's wife told police that on that night, she saw a text message from her husband to Ms Ross saying "Thank you for your intention to come with me." When Hall discovered Ahmadzai missing from their home the following day, she checked his location on her phone and found him inside the apartment on Rethymno Street. Prosecutor's documents state that when Ms Ross was found, she showed no injuries and the cause of death was not immediately clear.

Ahmadzai's lawyer, Christos Erdas, noted that his client is maintaining his right to remain silent and has requested forensic and toxicological reports to be included in the case file. Erdas says Ahmadzai's stance is one of reservation, as he wants to present a full defence once all essential documents are available. Ahmadzai was initially arrested on charges of illegal weapons possession. He now faces up to 18 months in custody while his trial proceeds.