The family of Nicola Furlong are planning to sue the hotel in Tokyo in which she was murdered.

Returning from Japan last night the Furlongs told the Irish Independent they will take a civil action for negligence against the Keio Plaza Hotel.

19-year-old American Richard Hinds was convicted of her murder on Tuesday and sentenced to 5 to 10 years in jail. During his trial the court heard how staff assisted Mr. Hinds in putting Nicola into a wheelchair while she was unconscious.

Mr. Furlong said "If (the hotel) had done what they should have done, Nicola mightn't be dead". He added that they intend to begin the process now.

The hotel has reportedly denied that it broke any law.

Under cross examination by the prosecution Mr. Hinds admitted to having both hands around Nicola's neck.

Nicola's mother and sister also gave impact statements to the court. In emotional testimony Angela Furlong asked the judge to take account of the pain caused to her family and to take account of the fact that Richard Hinds had not taken responsibility for what he did.

Hinds admitted strangling the 21-year-old but denied killing her intentionally.