Lindsay Hawker's family rebuff alleged killer's letter

[dutchman]

The family of a British teacher found buried in a sand-filled bath in Japan has said there is no point in her alleged killer contacting them.


Lindsay Ann Hawker's body was found in March 2007

Their statement follows reports that Tatsuya Ichihashi, who is accused of killing Lindsay Ann Hawker, has written to them apologising for her death.

The 22-year-old, from Brandon, near Coventry, was found at his Tokyo flat in March 2007.

Her family said they are confident in the Japanese justice system.

Miss Hawker, a Leeds University graduate, was last seen alive after giving Mr Ichihashi an English lesson in a coffee shop on 25 March 2007.


Ichihashi before and after plastic surgery

He was arrested at a ferry port in Osaka, southern Japan, in November 2009 after he went on the run.

He was apprehended when a surgeon came forward with information about him after he was believed to have had surgery to change his appearance.

The 30-year-old was later charged with raping and murdering Miss Hawker.

In a statement, Ms Hawker's father, Bill, said: "Ichihashi ran away from police and had plastic surgery to try to change his features and intended to be on the run for the rest of his life.

"We just want justice for Lindsay and are fully confident in the Japanese justice system.

"There isn't any point in Ichihashi or any of his defence team getting in touch with us."