Meredith 'argued with Knox before death'

Meredith Kercher argued with housemate Amanda Knox shortly before her death, man convicted of her murder says
Meredith Kercher argued with housemate Amanda Knox shortly before her death, man convicted of her murder says
 
 

Wednesday, 18, Nov 2009 05:00

By Matthew Champion.

Meredith Kercher argued about money with her housemate Amanda Knox shortly before her death, the man convicted of killing the UK student has told his own appeal hearing.

Rudy Hermann Guede received a 30-year prison sentence last year after opting for a fast-track trial over Ms Kercher's murder in Perugia, Italy, in November 2007.

The 22-year-old told an Italian court today that he had not raped or killed the 21-year-old but apologised for not doing enough to save her life.

Guede's appeal comes two days before the trial of two other people accused of murdering Ms Kercher resumes.

Amanda Knox, the 21-year-old's American room-mate, and Raffaele Sollecito, Ms Knox's former boyfriend, both deny any involvement in her death.

Ms Knox was found semi-naked with her throat slit in her Perugia flat on November 1st 2007. Prosecutors in that trial claim she died after a sex game went wrong.

But on Wednesday Guede said he heard Ms Kercher arguing with Ms Knox about money minutes before she died.

He admitted going to Ms Kercher's house after a Halloween party where they undressed and kissed but did not have sex.

The Ivorian said he heard shouting while in the toilet listening to his iPod. When he emerged he saw two people fleeing the dark house and Ms Kercher's body with her throat slit.

"I went into the corridor and looking out of the window saw going away the outline of Amanda Knox," he said.

"I didn't know what had happened, a few minutes earlier everything had been calm and then this had happened."

Guede was seen in a Perugia nightclub the night of Ms Kercher's murder and was arrested two weeks later in Germany after being caught travelling on a train without a ticket.

Today's appeal was, by Guede's own request, heard in open court and not behind closed doors as is typical.

Evidence from the appeal is inadmissible in Ms Knox and Mr Sollecito's trial but jurors and the judge will be aware of its details as no reporting restrictions have been imposed.


Grand National runners that meet the requirements in 2011

There are going to be forty Grand National Runners this Saturday all lining up at Aintree and picking the Grand National winner is always a difficult thing to do.

Gold Cup 2011 odds point to Imperial Commander as the winner

The latest Gold Cup Odds are not only important because they represent how much you can win on the race.

Cheltenham Gold Cup runners and best bets

Fourteen runners have been declared for the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2011 and the question on many people's lips will be.

Cheltenham Gold Cup 2011 runners and odds

The Cheltenham Gold Cup Runners have now been confirmed. As long as there are no late withdrawals there will be 14 Cheltenham Gold Cup runners.

Cheltenham Festival stats and tips should mean more winnings and winners

The Cheltenham Festival 2011 gets underway next week and one of the most popular methods of picking Cheltenham Festival winners is not only to follow tips, but also to take notice of important Cheltenham Festival Stats.

Cheltenham Races odds and tips suggest proven Cheltenham form is key

At long last The Cheltenham Festival 2011 is here and whether punters are going to the course or watching it on TV, everyone will be looking for winning tips for Cheltenham.

Cheltenham races odds and tips can help you find 50/1 winner at the festival

The Cheltenham Festival 2011 gets underway on Tuesday. The highlight of Cheltenham Races on the opening day will be the Champion Hurdle and three days of brilliant racing will follow Tuesday's action.



We're mobile!

Get news, sport and entertainment on your mobile. Text inthenews to 84010 or go to http://m.inthenews.co.uk. There is no charge for this service but the SMS will be charged at your standard operator rate.