31/08/11…..Plea and sentencing of hotel manager’s killer postponed again

THE case against a hotel worker who decapitated a fellow employee at The Oxfordshire, near Thame, over a year ago has been further adjourned at the request of lawyers.

Oxford Crown Court heard this afternoon that the accused, Jonathon Limani, is now far more unwell than he was last time he was in court in June, because his move to Broadmoor High Security Hospital for treatment was delayed until the August 23. He is therefore considered to be unfit to plead for the time being.

The case was adjourned until November 3, by which time, the court heard, Limani would have undergone treatment which is expected to be effective, and render him fit to plead (though this will depend on the results of a report from the psychologist treating him, nearer the time).

It is expected that Limani will plead to either murder or manslaughter due to diminished responsibility. The judge will then decide whether he will receive a prison sentence or be confined to a high security psychiatric hospital.

Jonathan Limani was originally charged with the murder of Christopher Varian, aged 32, on Saturday, August 21, 2010, at The Oxfordshire Golf club and hotel, near Thame. Mr Varian’s decapitated body was found close to the kitchen area door of the hotel.

PHOTO: The late Christopher Varian