The family of a Wicklow man, who has been jailed for 20 years in Panama for killing his best friend there in July 1999, is hoping he may be transferred to an Irish jail.
Mr Peter Byrne (35), from Blessington, Co Wicklow, was sentenced on Friday, after being found guilty in August of stabbing Mr Max Conroy to death two years ago. Mr Conroy was also from the Blessington area.
Mr Byrne's sister, Ms Bernie Byrne, said yesterday the family had been in contact with the Panamanian authorities on Saturday and were "devastated". The family did not feel up to commenting further on the case, she said.
It is understood that Mr Byrne arrived in Panama two days before Mr Conroy's death. He was visiting his friend who worked for the technology firm, Cable and Wireless. At his trial, the jury rejected Mr Byrne's plea that he was not guilty on grounds of insanity.
A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs said yesterday it was aware of the case but was not directly involved. There is no Irish embassy in Panama and the British embassy is representing Mr Byrne's interests.
