Man charged with missing Offaly woman's murder

A man was charged in the UK tonight with the murder of missing Offaly woman Catherine Gowing.

Ms Gowing, who is originally from Clonlee, Co Offaly, has been missing since she failed to arrive at work at the Evans Veterinary Practice in Mold, North Wales, on Monday.

Clive Sharpe, 46, from Bethesda, Gwynedd, will appear before Mold magistrates tomorrow morning, the British Crown Prosecution Service said.

Speaking at North Wales Police HQ in Colwyn Bay, Karen Dixon, district Crown Prosecutor, said: “The CPS has been in close contact with North Wales Police as their investigation into Catherine Gowing's disappearance has developed.

“We can now confirm that, having carefully carried out a detailed review of the evidence gathered so far, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to charge Clive Sharpe with the murder of Catherine Gowing and it is in the public interest to do so.

“Accordingly we have authorised North Wales Police to charge the defendant and he will appear before Mold Magistrates tomorrow morning.

“This is an extremely serious criminal charge and the police investigation continues.”

Earlier today police revealed they had found Ms Gowing's burned out car in woodland close to a disused quarry and quarry pool.

It was found around in Pinfold Lane, Alltami, around two miles from her home in New Brighton, Flintshire.

Detective Superintendent John Hanson, who is leading the investigation for North Wales Police, renewed his appeal for witnesses.

He said anyone who was in and around the area of the disused quarry at any time last weekend should come forward with any information they may have.

He added: “I have already spoken about the extent and scope of the examinations and searches taking place and the resources involved in the search to find Catherine.

“Those searches will continue into this evening and throughout the weekend.

“We will do all that is conceivably possible to find Catherine and return her to her family.

“That remains our priority.

“Catherine’s family are still in North Wales and are being supported by family liaison officers.

“They are aware of this significant development and they are fully updated on progress of the investigation.

“It is now time to let the judicial process take its course and time to let the family come to terms with what has happened over the last week.

“I would again ask that you respect their privacy at this very difficult time.”

Anyone who can help the inquiry should call North Wales Police on 101, he said.

Earlier Mr Hanson said there were “extensive” police resources dedicated to the search for Ms Gowing and forensic examination of her car.

Police dog teams and underwater search officers were involved, he said.

He also said specialist search teams were examining two other locations in North Wales which have not been identified.

The last confirmed sighting of Ms Gowing was at an Asda supermarket in Queensferry last Friday evening and officers have been scouring CCTV as they establish her movements.

Police said she missed a weekend appointment but the alarm was not raised until Monday morning when she failed to arrive at work.

Appearing at a press conference yesterday, Ms Gowing’s sister Emma broke down in tears as she asked the public for help.

She said: “We are desperate to hear any news of Catherine’s whereabouts.

“Please look, please search, please help us find our beautiful sister.”

Ms Gowing had worked at Evans Veterinary Practice in Mold for the last 18 months.

Practice owner David Evans described her as a “very caring, dear person”.