Coroner’s ‘unlawful killing’ verdict on Norwegian business student
Published: 26 November, 2010
by JOSH LOEB
Martine Vik Magnussen, who was studying in London at Regent’s Business School, was found dead in the basement of a property in Great Portland Street, Westminster, on Sunday March 16 2008.
She was last seen leaving Maddox night club in central London at 3.20am on Friday March 14 2008, following a night out with friends.
Detectives have formally named Farouk Abdulhak , now aged 23, as the suspect they want to speak to in connection with Martine’s murder and rape.
Police say he left the UK on a flight to Cairo on the afternoon of March 14 2008. A file has been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service.
Martine’s father appeals for suspect to come forward
THE father of a Norwegian student who was murdered in a basement in Great Portland Street has made a renewed appeal for the prime suspect in the case to come forward following an inquest at Westminster Coroner’s Court.
Martine Vik Magnussen, who was 23, was killed after a night out at a Mayfair club in March 2008.
The suspect, Farouk Abdulhak, is understood to be in hiding in his native Yemen, which has no extradition agreement with the UK.
Detectives say that since Mr Abdulhak left the UK on March 14 2008 they have made numerous appeals for him to return so that they can speak to him about Ms Vik Magnussen’s death.
On Wednesday coroner Dr Paul Knapman recorded a verdict of unlawful killing, stating that Ms Vik Magnussen had died from “compression to the neck”.
Speaking outside the court, her father, Odd Petter Magnussen, said: “The police have conducted a thorough investigation into Martine’s death and we appreciate the persistence of the British authorities to attempt to bring justice for our family and the wider Norwegian community.
“A suspect has been named in relation to Martine’s death and we need him to come forward so that he can shed light on what occurred that night and we can seek a resolution to this case. The family of Martine is deeply moved by and supportive of the newly-established Justice for Martine foundation. This is an organisation independent of any family involvement.”
Detective Chief Inspector Lee Presland, from the Homicide Command, said: “The murder of Martine Vik Magnussen, a young woman in the prime of her life, was a truly horrific crime, which has affected me deeply as both a police officer and a father. I would like to reassure the family that the Metropolitan Police Service is committed to bringing justice for Martine.
“We have publicly named Farouk Abdulhak as the suspect in this case and once again I would like to use this opportunity to urge him to return to the UK so that we can speak to him regarding this matter. We still believe that Farouk Abdulhak is in the Yemen and are continuing to work with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, in order to try and secure his return to the United Kingdom.”