13/06/2005

Manhunt launched for killer of pregnant woman

An international manhunt has been launched, after a pregnant woman was found murdered in her own home.

The body of Hayley Richards was discovered at her home in Trowbridge, Wiltshire at the weekend. She had last been seen just before midnight on Friday.

Police are now searching for Ms Richards’ former boyfriend, Hugo Quintas, who is from Portugal. He is believed to have left the UK to return to Portugal on Saturday.

Wiltshire police have confirmed that they are working with both Interpol and Portuguese law enforcement in order to try and find Mr Quintas.

It has not been confirmed if Mr Quintas was the father of Ms Richards’s unborn child.

Ms Richards’ murder came just one week after she complained to police that Mr Quintas attacked her. According to Ms Richards’ brother Paul, Hayley’s family had been told that Mr Quintas would be questioned in connection with the alleged assault, but the arrest had been delayed because an interpreter was needed.

Police confirmed that the case has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

A statement released on behalf of Ms Richards’ family described her as “a beautiful young woman.” The statement said: “She hurt no-one and was loved by all. She was always there when required, no matter what was asked of her.”

(KMcA/SP)

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15 June 2005
Hayley murder suspect wants to return to UK
The former boyfriend of murdered Wiltshire woman Hayley Richards has said that he wants to return to the UK, it has been reported.
28 April 2006
Police handling of Hayley Richards' case 'poor'
Wiltshire Police have been criticised by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) over the handling of a case which resulted in the murder of a pregnant woman. Hayley Richards,was murdered in her Trowbridge flat by her boyfriend, Hugo Quintas last June. The Portuguese factory worker slit the 23-year-old's throat.
29 March 2006
Man found guilty of murdering pregnant girlfriend
A Portuguese factory worker has been found guilty of murdering his pregnant girlfriend. Hugo Quintas, 25, murdered Hayley Richards, 23, at her flat in Trowbridge, Wiltshire last June. Bristol Crown Court heard how Quintas slit Ms Richards' throat after she admitted sleeping with another man.
14 June 2005
Hunt continues in Portugal in Hayley murder inquiry
Police investigating the murder of Hayley Richards have flown to Portugal to help in the search for her ex-boyfriend who left the UK after her death. Twenty-three-year-old Hayley, who was three months pregnant, was found in her home in Trowbridge, Wiltshire on Saturday. Her throat had been cut.
17 June 2005
Man remanded in connection with Hayley inquiry
A 29-year-old man has been charged with perverting the course of justice in regard to the Hayley Richards murder. Joaquim Sergio Da Cunha appeared before Chippenham Magistrates' Court today accused of cleaning a house, clothes, and with obstructing a police inquiry. He was remanded in custody to appear at Swindon Crown Court on June 24.