Christopher Panayiotou sure knows how to turn the public against him, displaying an amazing ability to wedge his foot right in between his teeth.

Today’s court hearing saw a number of details come to light regarding the murder of his wife Jayde, the PE teacher whose death caused many outraged South Africans to call for the reinstatement of the death penalty.

Now we knew before court went into session that Panayiotou had been approached, whilst in prison, with an offer that R40 000 could make the charges disappear. We also learnt that there had been prior attempts on her life, with this from IOL:

The State alleged that the price that was to be paid for the hit on Jayde was R70 000, with R40 000 to be paid to the shooter and R30 000 to the person who was the middleman. It is the State’s case that Panayiotou was the mastermind behind the plan…

The abduction and murder of Jayde was meant to look like a robbery and according to the State’s case, followed several earlier failed attempts.

It is believed that Panayiotou was suffering under the weight of crippling debt, with both Jayde and mistress Chanelle Coutts placing further strain on his finances. Christopher did admit to the extra-marital affairs, with this from News24:

Even though I had an intermittent sexual relationship with Coutts this did not have an impact on my marriage.

Yeah, no impact at all. He then went on to complain about the conditions of St Albans prison where he is currently being held:

I only get samp and bread in prison, sometimes a debatable piece of meat. My mother brings me food.

Panayiotou is claiming innocence in the face of charges of conspiracy to murder his wife Jayde and defeating the ends of justice.

The case was postponed to next Tuesday, May 26.

He has yet to be proven guilty of either of the above charges. On the charge of being a whining, philandering little prick? Hanged, drawn and quartered.

[sources:iol&news24]