A former Western International wholesale merchant has been charged with the murder of his wife, who disappeared nearly nine years ago.
Martin Hale is accused of killing Maureen Hale, who vanished in June 1999, and was arrested at his home on Tuesday, June 17. Detectives have searched the Hale family’s £600,000 five-bedroom home and grounds in Thame Ditton, Surrey.
Maureen Hale, 42, was reported missing three days after her disappearance from the family home. She took no personal possessions with her when she disappeared, and her departure was described as totally out of character.
Hale was first arrested in connection with his wife’s disappearance in 1999, but released without charge. The mother of five was thought to be in contact with divorce lawyers before her disappearance.
Hale is in court today.
