Sarah Groves: 'A Lost Decade'

Sarah Groves's parents mark ten years since her murder.

Ten years ago today, Sarah Groves was found dead on a houseboat on Lake Dal in Kashmir. The Guernsey woman was 24 and had been staying with her boyfriend and his parents.

The man accused of her murder, Richard de Wit, maintains his innocence.

There have been more than 200 separate court hearings over the past ten years, but progress has stalled, due in part to the pandemic and unrest in the disputed northern state between India and Pakistan.

Speaking on the tenth anniversary of their daughter's death, Vic and Kate Groves say it feels like a lost decade:

"We've lost ten years of our lives. That's nothing compared to what Sarah lost of course. It's taken its toll. We're probably more than ten years older. And it's a constant, and that's why we want to move on."

Vic Groves says the case seems to be unique:

"We were talking, in other circles, about if there's been a situation that's dragged on for ten years like this? Where the outcome is not known and there's still so much uncertainty? We can't remember one."

In honour of their daughter, Vic and Kate set up the Sarah Groves Foundation to improve the lives of young people.

It has captured the imagination of islanders, who have fund raised for it relentlessly, including the high profile Tour de Sez continental bike rides.

Vic says being heavily involved with the charity has helped over the past, very painful years:

"Without the Foundation we'd have gone doolally probably. It's a source of strength, a source of respect and remembrance and inspiration as well. Some of the things that have been happening are uplifting, and long lasting."