Man charged with murder of Claire Holland in Bristol
Despite mass searches and appeals, she's never been found
Last updated 4th Aug 2022
A man's been charged with the murder of Claire Holland - who's been missing from Bristol for 10 years.
Claire, who was 32 at the time, was last seen leaving a pub in the city centre in June 2012 - over the last decade a number of searches have taken place at several locations, including most recently this week at a different pub in Clifton.
40 year old Darren Osment from Chessel Drive in Patchway appeared in court this morning (Thursday), and is due at Bristol Crown Court tomorrow.
Det Supt 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.”
Ben Samples, Senior District Crown Prosecutor with the CPS 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.”
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