Kiwi pulled knife, demanded sex, claims murder accused

  • Breaking
  • 29/08/2011

It's being reported in Thailand that Kiwi croquet boss Charles Jones pulled a knife on his attacker.

The 56-year-old president of the World Croquet Federation was murdered in a hotel room and a 22-year-old Syrian man arrested.

But local media says Mohammed Ryad told police a fight broke out after Mr Jones demanded sex.

Mr Jones' family is upset by the claims, maintaining it's a desperate attempt to get off the charge.

Ryad is a former Syrian Army commando, a registered refugee and a chef, and in addition to Jones' murder, has been charged with stealing his laptop and phone.

He says Mr Jones invited him upstairs to smoke some marijuana, and once up there, Mr Jones threatened him with a knife.

Mr Ryad says in the ensuing fight, he managed to turn the knife on Mr Jones, "who literally stabbed himself".

The Otago Daily Times quoted Mr Jones' brother as saying the Westport man "damn well" did not smoke marijuana, and it was all "rubbish".

RadioLIVE / 3 News

source: newshub archive