The trial of a 71-year-old Spanish resident, who stands accused of killing a 57-year-old Brit in Christiania on 22 February 2020, begins at Copenhagen City Court today.

If offers the family of Ian Roy Parkin a chance for closure on an “awful” year that was exacerbated by the commencement of the Coronavirus Crisis just a fortnight later, a close family member told CPH POST.

Trial days are scheduled to take place on May 10, 11, 17 and 18, with sentencing expected on May 26.

Sweet, calm, peaceful
The defendant is accused of stabbing Parkin, who worked as a bartender at the Woodstock in the freetown, multiple times on Mælkevejen at a spot between Multimediehuset and Løvehuset near Café Månefiskeren.

Parkin, who moved to Denmark in the 1980s and lived and worked in Christiania for many years, sustained wounds to the head, neck and torso, and he later died in hospital of his injuries.

Christiania spokesperson Hulda Mader told BT that Parkin was a “ sweet, calm and peaceful person who never hurt anyone”.

Family unable to attend
The last year has been a great ordeal for Parkin’s family in Britain, who are unable to attend the trial due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. 

Two of the victim’s siblings travelled to Denmark with the intention of burying him in March 2020, but were unable to until October due to the police not releasing his body until June, and then corona restrictions.

It is believed the defendant, who has pleaded not guilty, underwent a psychological evaluation last year. Should he be found guilty, he is likely to receive a lengthy custodial sentence and permanent deportation.