A MERSEYSIDE man wanted in connection with the murder of an Italian woman is the victim of mistaken identity, a court has heard.
Peter Hamkin, a 23-year-old barman of Violet Road, Litherland, was arrested on Friday on an extradition warrant issued by London's Bow Street Magistrates' Court.
The warrant is in connection with the murder of a 24-year-old woman who had pulled her car off a highway near the city of Florence.
Anna Lisa Vincentini, who was with her partner Stefano Poli, 39, was shot dead on August 19 last year.
But during the extradition hearing on Saturday, Bow Street Magistrates' Court heard that there were concerns over the case as Hamkin insisted he had never been to Italy.
Lucy Cartwright, for Hamkin, said that there were witnesses at the pub in which he works who would be prepared to say that he was on Merseyside on the day of the murder.
Detective Constable Chris Munro, of the Metropolitan Police extradition unit, outlining the case, said: "The couple were approached by a man brandishing a semi-automatic pistol with a silencer. The person demanded money and 150 euros was handed over.
"The assailant then shot the female twice, fatally wound-ing her." DC Munro said Hamkin was traced following a DNA sample taken from the scene of the crime.
The court heard that on his arrest, Hamkin protested: "But I have never been to Italy."
DC Munro went on: "He has been in employment for almost two years by the same public house.
"From my point of view it does not tie up and we have taken the step of obtaining a further DNA sample."
Ms Cartwright said: "We have documents proving he was in Britain at the time of the incident in Italy. He is being supported by the owner of his pub who clearly recalls the 19th of August as it was the day of a family funeral.
"He clearly recalls my client was working on that day. Furthermore, records show he was not on holiday."
She further claimed that there were up to 20 people prepared to testify that Hamkin was working on that day.
She said: "It is inconceivable that he could be involved in this incident in Italy on that date. He has never been to Italy."
Hamkin lives with his partner in Liverpool and has a daughter.
Ms Cartwright said: "This is simply a case of mistaken identity. My client has suffered the shame of being arrested at his place of work in what was a fairly high-profile arrest."
Hamkin was granted conditional bail backed by a surety of £10,000.
The case was adjourned until next Friday at noon. ..SUPL:
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