Cyprus death appeal is rejected

Christos Papiris, 17, died in the collision in Cyprus

A man from Essex who was jailed in Cyprus for killing a teenager who was riding a moped has lost an appeal to have the sentence cut.

Christos Papiris, 17, died in August 2006 when his moped was hit by a car between Ayia Napa and Protaras.

Julian Harrington, 39, of Witham, had initially pleaded not guilty but later admitted manslaughter during a hearing at the court in Larnaca.

His lawyers argued the 15 year jail sentence was "manifestly excessive".

Prosecutors had said during Harrington's trial that the moped was "repeatedly struck" by a rented Opel car driven by Harrington.

James Goodwin, 22, from Essex, had earlier been given a suspended sentence after admitting a charge of conspiracy following the commission of a crime.

Luke Atkinson, 22, and Michael Binnington, 21, Harrington's nephews and both from Essex, were cleared of manslaughter after a trial.

One of Harrington's supporters, Richard Howitt - Member of the European Parliament for the East of England - told BBC Essex the case was a "miscarriage of justice" and has vowed to continue campaigning for a reduction in his jail term.