11/07/11……UPDATE – Oxfordshire hotel murder

OXFORD Crown Court this morning has adjourned the case against a man accused of the murder of an employee of the Oxfordshire Golf Club.

Shortly after the hearing began, the judge decided that Jonathon Limani, 34, be given time to calm down before entering his plea, as the defendant was showing signs of mental disturbance.

Following recent medical reports, the judge agreed to the defence’s request that the charge against Limani be changed to manslaughter due to diminished responsibility. The case was adjourned until 12.30pm.

UPDATE 4.30PM

The court reconvened at around 12.45pm without the defendant being present. After hearing the evidence of forensic psychologist, Dr Michael Alcock, the judge ordered that the case be adjourned until at least August 31st, as Limani was unlikely at that time to be able to fully understand what was going on nor able to instruct his council.

Dr Alcock said that Limani was more likely to be able to enter a plea once he had undergone medical treatment in a secure hospital, treatment which, Dr Alcock said, had proven beneficial during an earlier stay.

The judge expressed his regret at the distress experienced by all concerned by the continued delay in the case, but said that it was for “good reasons.”

Jonathan Limani was originally charged with the murder of Christopher Varian, aged 32, on Saturday, August 21, 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: Christopher Varian