Mother recounts water bike death

Hannah Sutton died in hospital from her injuries

The mother of a British schoolgirl killed in a water bike crash in Cyprus has told a court how she watched as her daughter's body was carried to shore.

Lynne Sutton was giving evidence in the trial of two men accused of renting the bikes out to 16-year-old Hannah and her boyfriend, while both were underage.

Hannah, from Alderley Edge, was killed when her boyfriend James Dudley, from North Wales, crashed into her machine.

Christakis Ioannou, 46, and Aristos Ioannou, 30, are on trial in Limassol.

The pair, who ran a beach side water boat hire firm, are accused of failing to check the pair were 18 - the minimum age required to hire the machines.

When I reached the lifeguards I recognised the girl was Hannah, my daughter. She was bleeding from her ears and nose Lynne Sutton

Speaking at the district court, Mrs Sutton recalled the day she saw lifeguards carry the lifeless body of her daughter ashore in Pissouri.

"After a while I saw two lifeguards driving jet-skis coming in from the sea - one of those was carrying a girl in his arms," she told the court.

"When I reached the lifeguards I recognised the girl was Hannah, my daughter. She was bleeding from her ears and nose."

Mrs Sutton told the court that James told the men he had not hired a jet-ski before and was given instructions in under a minute.

Hannah's family have not blamed James for their daughter's death

Marios Elias, defending both men, repeatedly questioned Mrs Sutton's account.

He suggested Hannah had told them she could drive the jet-skis and they had produced passports or other documents to show they were old enough.

Mr Elias also said the defendant had asked the pair their age.

Mrs Sutton denied the claim saying "There was no mention of passports or licences."

She added: "There is no way I, as a teacher who is responsible for the welfare of young people, would have allowed my daughter - let alone someone else's child - to do something which was illegal."

Case adjourned

Hannah died from head injuries when James, who is from Colwyn Bay, Conwy, lost control of his bike in August 2005. He was 16 at the time.

He told Mrs Sutton that Hannah's jet-ski had stopped suddenly and he could not brake in time.

After the tragedy James was briefly jailed but released after admitting causing Hannah's death. He was fined £2,000 by a court.

Hannah's family said they did not hold James responsible - but blamed those who had allowed the youngsters to hire the bikes.

It is claimed that Christakis and Aristos Ioannou failed to get either teenager to sign a disclaimer form, acknowledging the dangers and admitting liability in case of an accident.

Both men have been charged with a single count of allowing the youngsters to drive the jet-skis without a licence.

The hearing was adjourned until 23 April for the defence to put its case to the court.