3:42pm Wednesday 18th June 2008
By Guardian Reporter
A Thames Ditton man whose wife disappeared nine years ago has been charged with her murder.
Martin Hale, 51, from Ember Court Road, was charged with Maureen Hale's murder today.
Police believe that Mrs Hale was killed on or around June 22, 1999.
Mrs Hale disappeared after leaving her home on June 22, 1999 at around 10pm.
Her husband initially told officers that the 42-year-old had left without saying where she was going or when she would back.
Officers say she had left without any personal possessions or money.
Her disappearance was described as out of character by investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Colin Sutton.
Officers had been preparing to dig up the garden of the pair's three-storey £1m home today.
Hale - who was arrested by Met Police yesterday - will appear in custody at Kingston Magistrates' Court tommorrow.
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