Goa Murder Mum On Fraud Charges

Sat, 20 March 2010 Courtesy of: Sun Online

The mother of murdered Scarlett Keeling was in court yesterday for stealing £19,000 in benefits - as two men went on trial in India accused of killing her daughter.

A judge warned Fiona MacKeown there was "every likelihood" she will be jailed for deception.

Outside court the 44-year-old mum of nine said she did not expect justice in India for 15-year-old Scarlett - and vowed to fight on to get it.

“she hoped "to get some truth on what physically happened" when an inquest is held in Britain”

Scarlett's semi-naked body was found on Anjuna beach in North Goa in February 2008.

Police claimed she had drowned. A post mortem later revealed she was probably raped and murdered.

Scarlett was on holiday with her mother, who was in a neighbouring state at the time.

Yesterday the case began against Samson D'Souza, 30, and Placido Carvalho, 42, who are accused of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

They are also accused of assault with intent to outrage a woman's modesty and administering a stupefying drug to Scarlett.

Meanwhile at Exeter Crown Court MacKeown admitted dishonestly obtaining income support for three years, which ended a month after her daughter was killed. She was bailed for reports.

Outside court, she said "I expect to go out to Goa early next month to hear witnesses, but I think it's a show trial. I don't think I'll get justice for Scarlett."

MacKeown, of Bradworth, North Devon, said she hoped "to get some truth on what physically happened" when an inquest is held in Britain.

She said: "If it conflicts with what is said in India I'll try to go on and keep raising the matter. I won't let it lie."