Luke Brownsdon, convicted of killing a fellow British holidaymaker with a single punch outside a Zante nightclub in 2019, has been ordered to be extradited to Greece to serve a 12-year sentence. Brownsdon was convicted in his absence in March 2023 for causing fatal bodily harm with serious intent.
Matt Jeffery, 35, died five days after being punched outside the Sizzle bar in Laganas, Zante, on May 23, 2019. Mr. Jeffery, from Yeovil, Somerset, had been on a stag do with friends when he fell and hit his head on the pavement after the altercation. He sustained fatal injuries.
CCTV footage indicated that a fight initially began between Mr. Jeffery's group and another group inside the nightclub. Mr. Jeffery and his friends left, but were followed outside by the other group. Mobile phone footage captured the moment Mr. Jeffery was struck in the face.
Brownsdon and a second man were initially arrested and charged but were permitted to leave the island. Both were convicted in their absence, with Brownsdon receiving a 12-year sentence and his co-defendant 10 years. Brownsdon was arrested in April 2025 by the National Extradition Unit and has been held in a British prison since then.
At Westminster Magistrates' Court, Brownsdon argued that his extradition would violate Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights due to overcrowding in Greek prisons, noting that the facility he would be sent to in Patras was at 139% capacity. He also claimed he was not provided with an interpreter during police interviews, lacked fair representation at his Greek trial, and was unaware of the trial date.
Brownsdon has seven days to appeal the extradition ruling. He has also lodged an appeal against his conviction and sentence, which is scheduled to be heard in Greece in November.
Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed an ongoing investigation into Mr. Jeffery's death, stating they are liaising with Greek authorities and a family liaison officer is supporting Mr. Jeffery's family.