A British widow living in Spain is appealing for financial assistance after her husband was allegedly killed by a neighbor with a garden hoe in a shocking incident.
Sarah Allwright, who is now fighting for justice for her late husband, Martin Allwright, has turned to the public for help with the mounting legal fees she faces.
On August 12, 2024, Martin Allwright, a 59-year-old British expatriate living in the town of Zurgena, found himself in a fatal altercation with a neighbor. The dispute reportedly arose over Allwright walking his dog too close to the neighbor’s home. According to reports, the neighbor, whose identity has not been disclosed, became enraged and attacked Allwright, striking him on the back of the head with a garden hoe. The brutal blow caused a severe brain injury, leading to Allwright’s death a week later on August 19, 2024.
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, Allwright was rushed to La Inmaculada Hospital, located approximately 12 miles from Zurgena. Despite undergoing brain surgery, the injuries proved too severe, and Allwright passed away in the hospital. His death has left the close-knit community of Zurgena, with a population of just under 3,000, in shock.
Now, his widow, Sarah, is seeking justice. In an emotional appeal posted on the crowdfunding platform GoFundMe, Sarah outlined the dire situation she now faces.
Determined to ensure that the person responsible for her husband’s death is held accountable, Sarah has engaged a criminal lawyer to pursue the case. However, the legal fees are substantial, estimated to be at least €18,000 ($19,200), with an initial payment of €9,000 ($9,600) already made.
At the time of writing, Sarah’s GoFundMe campaign had raised over €5,000 ($5,350) of the €9,000 ($9,600) target. The funds are crucial as the case progresses through the Spanish legal system. A spokesperson for the local police confirmed that detectives have resolved the case, and it is now in the hands of a local court. The neighbor, initially arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide, is now facing a more severe charge of homicide.
The incident has raised questions within the community about the nature of the dispute that led to such a violent confrontation. Reports have speculated that the argument may have stemmed from noise concerns related to Allwright’s dog, but the exact cause remains unclear.
In her GoFundMe post, Sarah expressed her deep gratitude to those who have already contributed to her cause, reflecting on her late husband’s life and the support she has received from friends both in Spain and back in the UK.
Zurgena, located in the picturesque Almanzora Valley, is a quiet town that rarely sees such violent incidents. The town is about an hour and a half’s drive from the provincial capital of Almeria and is more commonly associated with its proximity to popular tourist destinations like Mojacar and Vera.
As the legal battle continues, Sarah remains focused on her mission to see justice served for her husband. The case has drawn attention to the challenges faced by expatriates living abroad, particularly when confronted with legal systems different from their own. Sarah’s determination and the support of the community will be crucial as she navigates this difficult period.