Basingstoke teacher may face death sentence (From Basingstoke Gazette)
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Teacher from Basingstoke accused of murder
5:16pm Monday 28th March 2011 in Local By Emily Roberts
A TEACHER from Basingstoke faces execution in Saudi Arabia if he is found guilty of murdering a friend.
Andrew Cannon is reported to have fallen out with Robert Coleman during a heavy drinking session.
The 41-year-old was working as an English teacher in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.
He was arrested on March 3, but insists he did not cause the death of his 57-year-old friend, from Newcastle.
It has been reported that the pair got into a fight, but the following morning Cannon was unable to wake Coleman.
Cannon is also alleged to have fled to Bahrain where he was arrested attempting to board a flight back to Britain.
Do you know Andrew Cannon or were you taught by him?
Call Emily Roberts on 01256 337410 or email emily.roberts@basingstokegazette.co.uk.
robertspet8 says...
3:14pm Tue 29 Mar 11
First, drinking is against the law in Saudi Arabia.
Second, he fled rather than stay to prove his innocence or face the consequences of his actions.
Third, if found guilty he will probably be able to avoid the death sentence if the victim's family agree to the payment of blood money.
If you travel to other countries you should obey their laws and respect their customs.