British cyclist killed by hunter branded rapist...by own family

THE heartbroken girlfriend of a British cyclist accidentally shot dead by a French hunter spoke of her fresh anguish yesterday after he was branded a rapist and “a monster” by his family.

Grieving Jo Watts poured scorn on extraordinary claims made by Marc Sutton’s mother and sister.

Now police have been called in as a bitter family feud erupted following the death of Mr Sutton, 34, pictured, who was thought to have been mistaken for prey.

Distraught Ms Watts spoke out after Mr Sutton’s sister Katie Toghill, 32, claimed she was repeatedly raped and beaten by her brother when they were children and said the gunman had done her family a favour.

Waiving her right to anonymity Ms Toghill said: “He deserved to be shot like an animal.”

His mother Katrina said her “only disappointment” was that her son “died instantly”.

Mr Sutton, who ran a vegetarian restaurant with Ms Watts, was killed as he rode along a mountain trail near the ski resort of Montriond in the French Alps on Saturday. Ms Watts – his partner of nine years – said: “I’m shattered by his death, his life taken so violently by a hunter while he innocently rode his bike on a popular track. “Now to add to all that I’m devastated people have chosen now to make these allegations when Marc is not here to defend himself.” Mr Sutton’s father John said: “I have been to police and made a report that these allegations are all lies and it’s harassment. This is all about a family feud. I’m devastated they would try to blacken my son’s name.”