Briton killed by Spanish neighbour in tourist hotspot was part of 'expat hooligan community'

The neighbour in question, Jose Ramos, has admitted to striking the 59-year-old rugby fan with the tool - but has claimed that Allwright had threatened him first.

Ramos, in his 50s, has also alleged that he had previously reported his British neighbour to local police.

His lawyer, Jose Ramon Cantalejo, defended his client by pointing to Ramos's lack of criminal record and cooperation with police.

Cantalejo then launched into a diatribe against British expats in villages like El Palaces de Zurgena, where the attack took place.

He claimed locals "live in terror of these British residents, many of whom are complete hooligans".

Cantalejo said expats "do not learn a single word of Spanish in 10 or 15 years, and yet they think this is their territory".

He continued: "These are people who sell their houses in Glasgow or Birmingham to retire here... They live like royalty but they don't adapt to the social reality of the country."

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The lawyer has laid the blame for the attack at Allwright's door, claiming the 59-year-old from Exeter had started moving towards Ramos and his wife with a stone in his hand - and his "dangerous dogs" in tow.

Cantalejo continued: "All my client did was to put himself between this man and his wife, striking him with the first thing that came to hand."

Lashing out at British expats again, he blamed the so-called "lobby effect" of the tens of thousands-strong British community in the Spanish region of Almeria for pressuring local authorities into taking Ramos into custody despite his cooperation.

But Martin's wife has hit back, and has launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover the legal fees to pursue Ramos in court.

Writing on GoFundMe, Sarah Allwright said: "Martin was the victim of a brutal attack on August 12, 2024. He was hit on the back of the head with a sharp garden implement.

"He received brain surgery and was in hospital for a week, but sadly lost his life on Monday, August 19.

"I have engaged a criminal lawyer in order to punish the man who did this. The fees for this will be at least €18,000 (£15,000)... I have had to pay the initial payment of €9,000 (£7,600) this week.

"I am asking for help with this as this cost is huge to me... It is not something I ever thought I would have to do. Any help would be so much appreciated."

As of Wednesday afternoon, Sarah's crowdfunding drive had raised over €6,500 (£5,500) - and she has paid tribute to her husband, writing: "Martin had a great many friends and he was always up for a laugh... His great passion was Exeter Chiefs rugby and it will be sad that he won't be watching the start of the new season with me."