News / Claire Holland
Man charged with the murder of Claire Holland
Detectives have reached what they say is a “pivotal moment” in the case of Claire Holland, who disappeared more than a decade ago.
Darren Osment, of Chessel Drive, Patchway, has been charged with her murder and is due to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. The 40-year-old was arrested on Tuesday and charged on Wednesday.
Claire was 32 when she was last seen leaving Seamus O’Donnell’s pub on St Nicholas Street at around 11.15pm on June 6 2012. Claire, from Lawrence Weston, was reported missing a few days later.
is needed now More than ever
Police announced a major breakthrough on Tuesday when they confirmed a man had been re-arrested on suspicion of her murder.
Forensic teams have been searching the Barrelhouse pub on Gordon Road in Clifton after receiving “specific new information”. Officers have stressed the search has no connection with the current or previous owners of the venue.
Detective superintendent Gary Haskins, head of the major crime investigation team, said: “This is a pivotal moment in our investigation and we have updated Claire’s family now that a man has been charged with her murder. We’ll continue to provide any support they may need through our specialist family liaison officer.”
Forensic teams have been searching the Barrelhouse on Gordon Road – photo: Mia Vines Booth
Ben Samples, senior district crown prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service South West complex casework unit, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Avon and Somerset Police to charge Darren Osment, aged 40, with one count of murder.
“The authority to charge follows a complex investigation by the major crime investigation team, which was supported by the complex casework unit. An extensive review of all the evidence gathered has led us to conclude that our legal tests to commence a prosecution have been met.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Darren Osment are active and that he has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Main photo: Avon & Somerset Police
Read more: Police search Clifton pub as Claire Holland investigation continues
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