17/06/2005

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.

Twenty-three-year-old Hayley, who was three months pregnant, was found dead in her home in Trowbridge, Wiltshire last Saturday. Her throat had been cut.

Police are searching for Hayley’s former boyfriend, Portuguese-born Hugo Quintas. He is believed to have left on a flight from Bristol Airport to Portugal on the day that Hayley’s body was discovered.

Earlier this week, a member of the public told the police that they had spoken to Mr Quintas and he had told them that he wishes to return to the UK. It is now believed that Mr Quintas may be in Spain.

A week before she was murdered, Ms Richards contacted police, alleging that she had been assaulted by Mr Quintas.

The case has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, after it was revealed that police had not taken two potential opportunities to arrest Mr Quintas last week.

Crime scene investigators are still searching the Trowbridge area for the murder weapons and any bloodstained clothing that the killer might have thrown away.

Police are also still appealing for information from anyone who saw a vehicle in the area between 11pm on June 10 and 4am on June 11, which may have broken down or was being pushed.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact: 01380 735735 of Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.

(KMcA/SP)

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