A man has been charged with the murder of a woman who disappeared 10 years ago, police said.
Claire Holland, 32, from the Lawrence Weston area of Bristol, has not been seen since leaving a city centre pub shortly before midnight on June 6 2012. Darren Osment, 40, was arrested for a third time on Tuesday after a “significant development” in the case and has since been charged with murder.
Avon and Somerset Police said Osment, of Chessel Drive, Patchway, South Gloucestershire, has been remanded in custody. He is set to appear before Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (4 August).
READ MORE: Wanted man on roof 'demands double pepperoni pizza' in police standoff
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.
Ben Samples, senior district Crown prosecutor with the CPS South West complex casework unit, added: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Avon and Somerset Police to charge Darren Osment 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.”
READ NEXT:
- Families living in fear of 'Balaclava Gang' hire private security firm
- Man punched boy, 12, who threw eggs at his car
- 'Anger and disbelief' on the picket line at latest Arriva bus driver offer
- Thick smoke billows out former 051 nightclub as fire rips through 'troubled' building
- New police powers after antisocial behaviour in Woolton
