'Missing' canoeist to be charged by police

Back-from-the-dead canoeist John Darwin will be charged this afternoon, police said today.

Officers have until 11.33pm this evening to hold the 57-year-old former prison officer after they were granted a 36-hour extension at Hartlepool Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Today a spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: “Cleveland Police will be seeking advice from CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) in relation to John Darwin.”

It is understood that a decision about what charges will be brought against him will be made this afternoon.