16/10/2007

Search Renewed For Jeweller's Suspected Killer

Police are beginning a fresh search for the suspected killer of Nottingham jeweller, Marian Bates.

Nottinghamshire Police have confirmed that two addresses in the Nottingham area will be searched in the hunt for suspect, James Brodie.

Police have stressed that the current occupants of the properties have no connection to the inquiry, but they believe that Mr Brodie had close links to the addresses being searched both before and after Mrs Bates' murder.

Mrs Bates was shot dead at the Time Centre jewellers in Front Street in Arnold on September 30, 2003.

Witnesses had reported seeing two men leave the jewellers and escape on a motor scooter.

Police investigating the murder at the time said that they wanted to speak to Mr Brodie, who was aged 20 at the time and from Bulwell.

He was also wanted in connection with three armed robberies and a racially aggravated assault, which were all committed during a 12-hour period, three weeks before Mrs Bates was killed.

Detective Chief Superintendent Neil James said: "We have suggestions that Brodie is dead. We also have suggestions that Brodie is alive. What we need is evidence. We deal in facts. We have never given up on this case. If he is connected to the Marian Bates murder, he will face a criminal prosecution. If he is dead and other people are responsible for his death, our job is to ensure that those people face a criminal prosecution. There are two families here looking for justice."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on: 0115 844 6994 or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.

(KMcA)


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