Barman's Lawyer: Sankey, Media Aim to Distort Michael Shields' Crime

Novinite Insider » INTERVIEW | July 30, 2005, Saturday // 00:00

Lawyers Vesselin Zapryanov and Kapka Stanislavova are the defense team of Martin Georgiev, the Bulgarian barman who suffered a fractured skull in a street melee, for which Michael Shields, 18, was jailed for 15 years. Georgiev has said the court jailed the right man, while Michael Shields has protested his innocence.

Sofia News Agency Editor Ivelina Puhaleva approached lawyer Vesselin Zapryanov to discuss the trial and the impact of the campaign launched by British media appealing for the release of Shields.

Q: The evidence signed by Graham Sankey confessing he hit Martin Georgiev on May 30 is already sent to Bulgaria's Foreign Ministry. Do you believe it can be used further in the trial?

A: It is possible, if the Appeals Court decides to request for more evidence on the case. Yet, this evidence obviously seeks the only purpose to win the release of the Briton from prison. Whatever the efforts - by media or other interested parties - to distort the character of this case, what Michael Shields did that night is a criminal act - a conscious attempt to murder. In all jurisdictions, including Bulgarian and British, this is the gravest crime and it is punished with gravest sentence.

Q: Are you and your client satisfied with the sentence ruled on Michael Shields?

A: In the trial of Michael Shields the court ruled on the lightest sentence - under Bulgarian legislation this type of crime could be sentenced to 15-20 years or lifetime imprisonment. The court evidently took into consideration the young age of Shields to rule on the lightest sentence.

Besides, the trial was entirely open to public and the court gave to all interested parties the opportunity to testify and submit evidence at the trial. From the very first day the courtroom was open for media, diplomats, and ordinary people willing to be present at the sessions. The defendant was given the opportunity to summon all witnesses he wanted. And the family of Michael Shields did bring to courtroom nine witnesses from the United Kingdom. They did not conceal the fact that their stay and expenses were entirely covered by the Shields.

Prior to announcing the sentence on Tuesday {July 26} the court held ten- to twelve-hour hearings of the case every day. On Thursday and Friday {July 21 and 22} we were in the courtroom from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Monday {July 25} the session dragged to 6.30 p.m.

British diplomats were also constantly in touch with the Britons and the course of the trial.

There was also a British lawyer present in the courtroom, I think from a non-governmental organization working for the protection of rights of Britons abroad {ed. note the Fair Trials Abroad organizations has declared interest in the Shields case}.

So, I think the court gave floor and time to all witnesses and evidence to be presented. And I disagree with so lavishly declared statements in certain media that Bulgarian judiciary system is unfair or incompetent. The independence of Bulgarian judiciary system must be respected and acclaimed, especially in this case.

Q: In your opinion, why did Graham Sankey confess the crime in the UK, instead of in Bulgaria?

A: I think this is a well planned move. The news about the confessions of Sankey appeared in the very last days of the trial when Shields and his defense saw no other way to avoid the grave sentence. Moreover, I think the media hustle concerning this case is very unpleasant not only for Martin Georgiev, but also for the public opinion. This is an attempt to distort the character of this act, which is purely criminal, unlike some statement it was hooliganism.

Q: Is it possible that Graham Sankey faces a trial in Bulgaria under the same charges?

A: I am not in the position to claim such thing. The prosecution can consider his evidence and decide whether to launch a lawsuit.

Q: What does the defence of Martin Georgiev plan next?

A: It all depends on the ruling of the Appeals Court. A date for hearing the appeals of Michael Shields is expected within 15 days {as of July 26}. At the moment, my client hopes to recover from the grave head injury and be able to look after his family. He has been under harsh pressure for the whole time and the interest declared by media has put additional burden on him.

Q: Has Mr Georgiev and his family have been approached with any offers for help and assistance so far?

A: No. Neither the Shields, nor anybody else has approached Martin Georgiev to help him in this situation.

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