Father is cleared over booze cruise drowning (From Echo)

Father is cleared over booze cruise drowning

4:50pm Friday 8th March 2013 in News

A FATHER-of-two has been cleared over the drowning of a fellow Brit tourist 16 years ago.

Kitchen fitter Darren Sapstead was acquitted by a Spanish jury of any involvement in Garry Walton’s death after five hours of deliberation.

Mr Sapstead had been accused, but found innocent, of pushing Mr Walton to his death during a pleasure boat booze cruise in November 1996.

Mr Sapstead of Thornborough Avenue, South Woodham Ferrers, had always protected his innocence.

Speaking at his trial, he said: “It wasn't me that threw Garry overboard. "I was the only person that went to help him. "I threw a life ring to him and I was taking my shoes and T-shirt off to jump in after him when the guy arranging the party games stopped me."

Mr Walton, 21, of Leeds, died after falling from a boat off the Tenerife resort of Playa de Las Americas after an afternoon of drinking games.

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