Honeymoon murder suspect's 'suicide bid' was reaction to medicines

The family of honeymoon murder suspect Shrien Dewani today denied he had tried to commit suicide and claimed he was admitted to hospital after suffering a reaction to his medication.

Mr Dewani, 31, is fighting extradition to South Africa where he is wanted in connection with the murder of his Swedish bride Anni, 28.

The care home boss was at first thought to have taken an overdose after he was discovered at home by his family on Sunday.

Today spokesman Max Clifford said: "Shrien had a reaction to his sleeping tablets on Sunday and was taken to hospital as a precaution.

"They allowed him to sleep it off without any other treatment and he has been assessed as being medically fit to be discharged today.

"There was no intention to kill himself. He continues to suffer from severe PTSD [post-traumatic shock disorder] under the most extreme pressures from South Africa."

Mr Dewani is reported to have lost two stone in recent weeks, and Mr Clifford said that he had been increasingly unwell and fragile. The businessman has been ordered to appear for an extradition hearing before Belmarsh magistrates on 23 March.

Mrs Dewani was shot in the neck after the couple's taxi was hijacked. Her body was later found in the abandoned vehicle.