THE trial of an Enfield man in Greece has been delayed yet again after problems with the interpreter.

Andrew Symeou, 22, is facing a charge of manslaughter but his long-awaited trial has been beset with problems and was put off for another week yesterday.

The case was due to commence a week ago but was delayed after prosecutors asked for more time.

It was rescheduled for yesterday, but the interpreter struggled to adequately translate proceedings into English, and a decision was taken to hire a new interpreter and try again on Thursday, March 17.

Jago Russell, chief executive of Fair Trials International, which has been lobbying for a speedy trial for Mr Symeou, said this delay was needed to ensure the proceedings are conducted fairly.

He said: “Clear and accurate translation and interpretation is essential for a fair trial to take place.

“Andrew has waited years for the opportunity to present his defence and cannot risk his evidence being misinterpreted.

“The trial will continue once a competent interpreter is appointed, to ensure the evidence is completely understood by the judge and jury.”

Mr Symeou, of Enfield, is accused of punching fellow Brit Jonny Hiles in a nightclub in Zante in July 2007.

Mr Hiles fell off a podium and died two days later from the injuries he sustained.

Mr Symeou, who was 18 at the time of the alleged incident, has consistently denied the charge against him, and claims he was not even in the club when Mr Hiles fell.

He was extradited to Greece nearly two years ago under the controversial European Arrest Warrant, and held in a notorious Greek prison for ten months after judges denied him bail.

An attempt to hold the trial last summer faltered after prosecutors failed to summons key witnesses from the UK.