Shrien Dewani will learn in the new year whether his High Court appeal against extradition has been successful

Westbury-on-Trym businessman Shrien Dewani will find out in the new year whether he has won or lost his High Court battle against extradition to South Africa, where he is wanted in connection with his wife Anni's murder.

The 31-year-old care home owner, from Passage Road, faces allegations of masterminding the murder of his wife on their honeymoon in November last year, which he has always denied.

The Home Secretary Theresa May signed an order for his extradition in August after a judge ruled that he should be sent for trial. This week Mr Dewani's lawyer, Clare Montgomery QC, told two High Court judges that there was a high risk of him committing suicide, which would be increased by extradition.

Yesterday two judges hearing the appeal case were due to hear further statements on Mr Dewani's medical condition. But the hearing was called off after the Judicial Office decided there was no further need for cross-examination.

The judges have reserved their decision until the next legal term, which begins on January 11.

Swedish-born Mrs Dewani, 28, was shot dead when the taxi the couple were travelling in was hijacked in a notorious Cape Town township late at night.

Their driver Zola Tongo, who has admitted his part in the crime, claimed in a plea agreement with prosecutors that Mr Dewani had ordered the carjacking and paid for a hit on his wife. He was sentenced to 18 years in jail.

Mr Dewani is wanted to stand trial for murder, conspiracy to commit murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and obstructing the administration of justice.

Two other men - Xolile Mngeni and Mziwamadoda Qwabe - are due to go on trial for Mrs Dewani's murder next year.