Murder trial date set (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Robert Sebbage's accused killer to face trial

9:19am Thursday 12th July 2012 in News By Emily Roberts, Chief Reporter

THE grieving parents of a murdered teenager have finally been given a date for when his accused killer will go on trial.

It was on July 13 last year that Robert Sebbage, below, was stabbed to death on the island of Zante while on holiday with friends.

His parents Andy and Rhian have since set up a fund called Out of The Blue to raise money for an English-speaking lawyer to represent them at a trial in Greece.

The couple, from Weyhill Close, Tadley, have now finally been given a date for the trial – September 3 – and they are preparing to face their son’s accused killer in court.

Taxi driver, Stelios Morfis, who was 21 at the time, was charged with premeditated murder following the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old Robert. Dimosthenes Mylonas, who was 25, was charged as an accomplice.

Robert, a one-time England football mascot, who suffered from a rare bowel condition, was on holiday with eight friends when he collapsed in the street following the fatal stabbing. Four of his friends were also stabbed as the attacker allegedly went berserk with a knife.

Mr Sebbage, who is recovering following major heart surgery, said he hopes he will be well enough to fly to Pathos for the trial.

He added: “We are very apprehensive. We just want justice for Robert.”

Mr Sebbage described the last year as a “whirlwind”. He added: “People say it gets easier, but it doesn’t. No dad should ever bury his son. That’s the hardest part. But we have to still think of our other two children, support them and move on.”

Mr Sebbage said once the trial is over, the family will be able to properly grieve. He added: “That’s when it will really hit. We will think ‘what next?’ It will be hard because we have really put everything into sorting this out.”

Mr Sebbage hopes Out of The Blue will continue raising funds to raise awareness among young people about the dangers of going on holiday abroad.

He hopes to produce a card to give to teenagers, to put in their wallet or purse, with ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ when going abroad, and numbers to call in an emergency.

The fund has so far raised around £20,000, through community events, donations and fundraising challenges.

Robert’s friend Emma Forward from Tadley, has just completed a charity walk for the fund, in which she travelled between Bristol and Reading along the canal.

There is also a fundraising event taking place this Sunday at Highfield Park, in Church Lane, Heckfield, from 11am to 4pm. The fun day will include a five a-side football match between Reading FC Legends and Basingstoke boyband Concept, as well as a treasure hunt, children’s races and a barbecue.

Mr Sebbage said: “The support we have received has been unbelievable.”

For more information visit outoftheblue-rjs.co.uk.