Sarah Groves: A Breakthrough 8 Years On ?

On 6th April 2013, at the age of 24, Guernsey's Sarah Groves was brutally murdered on board a houseboat in Kashmir, Northern India. Could the details soon be revealed?

The family of Sarah Groves believe the truth about what happened and who was responsible on that terrible night eight years ago could emerge soon.

Dutchman Richard de Wit is accused of her murder but proceedings have been plagued by political unrest, judicial inefficiencies and non-attendance.

Sarah's father Vic says that after well over 200 scheduled hearings in the trial of the man accused of her murder, there are signs that it is finally reaching a conclusion. 

"When we recognised the seventh anniversary 12 months ago we were in a very depressed situation. We hadn't got much hope in finding out the real truth. The trial was going nowhere, the quality of the evidence being received from witnesses who turned up wasn't of any note, and how anyone could form a conclusion on what was being presented to the court was beyond credibility.

"But we've had a lucky break since then. We've had further investigations carried out and they've been immensely revealing. We know a lot more of what happened and the trial is rapidly coming to a conclusion although I cannot reveal the details."

Sarah’s memory lives on in many positive ways, despite the enormity of the tragedy, which has adversely affected the lives of so many people including many of her friends in Guernsey.

The work of the Sarah Groves Foundation, although somewhat affected by Covid-19, continues to support young lives within the Bailiwick. The latest project to be announced is the provision of a children’s playground on Sark, which is scheduled to open in May.

"It's all tragedy and doom and gloom on one side but positivity, help and hope for the future on the other. The Foundation has been a tremendous comfort and has helped balance it out hugely. Without that I think we would have been in a much worse place."

The redevelopment of the Guille Allès Children’s Library, where the main room bears the name ‘The Sarah Groves Room’, has seen a significant increase in the number of young people using the facility. The redevelopment of the Story Tower at the library, fully funded by the Foundation in 2020, has been immensely popular. Between 30th November 2020 and 15th December 2020 more than 1,300 children attended the Tower to hear stories.

On 17th February 2021, Guernsey Post announced the launch of Clematis Gold, a new miniature sheet series depicting award-winning clematis, which have been cultivated by world renowned nurseryman Raymond Evison OBE. 

Each of the clematis depicted on the stamps has been part of the Gold Medal award-winning displays at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the world’s most prestigious horticultural event. It features the Sarah Elizabeth which is a unique shade of pink, different to other clematis colours and dedicated to Sarah's memory.