Panayiotou appeal postponed

The bail appeal of murder accused Christopher Panayiotou has been postponed to July 28, 2015.

Today the Grahamstown High Court heard arguments from both the state counsel as well as the defence counsel.

Panayioutou's newly appointed defence advocate, Mike Hellens, SC, concluded that "that all aspects of justice can be served without Panayiotou awaiting trial behind bars".

State prosecutor, Marius Stander, concluded that Panayiotou “interfered with state's case even prior to arrest”.

Judge Glenn Goosen stated that he needed time to consider his judgment.

Panayiotou, 28, beefed up his legal team by hiring Hellens, after his first bid at bail failed dismally in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court last month.

He is accused of orchestrating the murder of his school teacher wife, Jayde, 29, in April. It is alleged he paid a bouncer at his Infinity night club, Siyoli, 31, to hire hitman Sizwezakhe Vumazonke, 30, to kidnap and murder Jayde.

All three men are in custody and Siyoli has since turned state witness.  -The Herald