Scarlett mother snubs India court

Fiona MacKeown "denies absolutely" any neglect allegations

The mother of teenage rape and murder victim Scarlett Keeling has failed to appear before a court in India to face neglect allegations.

Fiona MacKeown, 43, from Bradworthy, Devon, refused to travel to Goa for Wednesday's hearing because she feared being arrested on arrival.

Ms MacKeown had left Scarlett, 15, in the care of a tour guide when she was found dead on a beach in February.

She claims authorities are trying to cover up events surrounding the death.

Ms MacKeown was summoned by Goa's Directorate of Women and Child Development.

Describing the allegations as "a farce", her lawyer Vikram Varma said the case could not proceed in his client's absence.

Sustained campaign

Mr Varma said: "It is now being looked at by a government officer who has quasi-judicial powers.

"He will then decide whether to transfer the case to the police for further proceedings."

Ms MacKeown "denies absolutely" any suggestion that she was guilty of neglect in relation to Scarlett and the events surrounding her death.

The teenager's body was found on Anjuna beach on 19 February.

Ms MacKeown had gone travelling with her six other children, leaving Scarlett in the care of the 25-year-old guide.

Police initially said her death was an accidental drowning.

However, after a sustained campaign by Ms MacKeown, they carried out a second post-mortem examination which revealed Scarlett had been murdered.

Two local men - Samson D'Souza and Placido Carvalho - have been arrested over the case. Both have been granted bail.