18/06/2008

Man Charged With Missing Wife's Murder

A man has been charged with murdering his wife who vanished nine years ago.

Maureen Hale, 42, of Thames Ditton, disappeared on 22 June 1999.

The body of the mother of five has never been found.

Fifty-one-year-old Martin Hale was arrested on suspicion of murder and mortgage fraud on Tuesday.

It is reported that Mr Hale initially told officers that this wife had left without saying where she was going or when she would be back.

It is understood Mrs Hale left without any personal possessions or money.

Leading the investigation Detective Chief Inspector Colin Sutton said that Maureen "disappeared very suddenly" and since that time there has been no contact with family or friends.

It is also reported that her passport and bank account have not been used.

"Such a disappearance was entirely out of character for her, especially as she left behind four young children at home. We have always thought it was hard to imagine she would simply walk out and leave them without a word," he said.

There is speculation that police are preparing to excavate the garden of the couple's three-storey home believed to be worth £1 million.

Police cordoned off the family's home yesterday.

Mr Hale had been arrested in July 1999 in connection with his wife's murder but was released due to lack of evidence.

Mr Hale will appear before Kingston Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

(DS)


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