Fugitive speedboat killer Jack Shepherd will appear in court in Georgia on Tuesday, where he is unlikely to fight extradition back to the UK.

The 31-year-old was sentenced to six years in jail in his absence for the manslaughter of Charlotte Brown, 24, on a champagne-fuelled first date when his speedboat overturned in the River Thames.

He went on the run while facing trial over the death of Ms Brown, from Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, who plunged into the icy water in December 2015.

Charlotte Brown who died after a speedboat crash.
Charlotte Brown died after a speedboat crash on the River Thames (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Shepherd is currently in prison in Tbilisi after handing himself in to the authorities last month.

His lawyer, Tariel Kakabadze, said Shepherd is likely to agree to extradition back to the UK, although a final decision will be made on Tuesday.

He said: “He wants to participate in a UK court hearing. If he stays in Georgia he will not be able to. He wants to give information to the judges and be present in court.”

Mr Kakabadze believes Shepherd could return to the UK as early as this week.

Web designer Shepherd, originally from Exeter, may seek certain “reassurances” before agreeing to the request, which was sent to the Georgian authorities by the Home Office, the lawyer suggested.

Shepherd has been given permission to appeal against his manslaughter conviction.