Despite copycat attacks in Crete, the family of the Newlyn man charged with his parents' murder fear he is still no nearer to being released.

Ryan Johnson, 32, is on bail for the killings of Jo and Terry Johnson, who were strangled, stabbed, tied up and robbed at their Greek villa in March.

Their son, a former dance teacher, has maintained his innocence throughout after he was charged with the double murder. But despite "no credible" evidence to implicate the Cornishman, he remains on a 20,000 Euro bail and the only suspect for the crime.

From the outset, Ryan's friends and family in Penzance have been unwavering in their support, claiming that he was not capable of the brutal attacks, which they claim could only have been committed by a gang at least three strong.

This week they urged the Greek police to widen the hunt for suspects, highlighting up to five similar attacks since the Johnsons' murder on March 12. One attack resulted in the death of an Orthodox priest who is also thought to have been tied up.

Ryan's cousin Vaughn Eddy said this week: "Apparently there have been about four or five similar crimes, but I'm not sure why the police are not willing to have a look at the possibility they are linked with Jo and Terry's deaths.

"They have got a serious problem over there, but they are not willing to address it."

Ryan's uncle John Bailey added: "I really don't understand it, you have to wonder if there is another agenda?"

Ryan's lawyer suggested in a national newspaper this week that his client was being used as a scapegoat to protect the tourist trade.

Andrew McCooey said: "There is not a shred of credible evidence against him (Ryan). My own view is that there is a great fear on the part of the Greek authorities that tourists, and Britons seeking to buy villas, may be scared off if the real culprits are shown to be the killers (in other cases)."

The Johnsons' bodies are now back at the Royal Cornwall Hospital; however the family is reluctant to set a funeral date until they know when Ryan could be home.

But Mr Bailey said with the investigation at an apparent stalemate the family had been warned that it may be as much as a year or 18 months until he is either tried or released.

article copyright © THE CORNISHMAN

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