Man charged with murder of Northumberland author
A man charged with the murder of North East author Helen Bailey is due in court on Monday.
A man charged with the murder of North East author Helen Bailey who went missing in April is due in court on Monday.
It follows an investigation by officers from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit.
51 year old author Helen Bailey in Royston went missing on April 11, 2016.
Ian Stewart, who is 55 years old and from Baldock Road in Royston, was also charged with two further offences - perverting the course of justice and preventing lawful burial.
He is due before St Albans Crown on Monday, July 18th.
A post-mortem is also due to take place on Monday and specialist searches at her home continue.
Detectives confirmed on Saturday that the identity of a body located within the grounds of her home was the missing author.
Specialist searches have been taking place at the property since Monday, July 11.
Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Fullwood, who leads the Major Crime Unit, said:
“We can now confirm it is Helen Bailey’s body which was located within the grounds of her home yesterday, along with the body of her dog Boris.
“The searches, which resulted in the discovery, have been painstaking and more work will need to take place in the coming days.
“Specialist officers are continuing to support Helen’s family at this extremely difficult time.”
Helen's family have asked for privacy - but have released a statement paying tribute to her.
“We share with Helen’s friends, neighbours and fans our shock, disbelief and sadness at the news of her tragic death.
“As a family we also stand in solidarity with those around the world who have also suffered loss under tragic circumstances. Helen was immensely witty and talented. We love her deeply and are immensely proud of her achievements. She is now at peace and we shall all miss her terribly. “We wish to express our gratitude to the Police as well as all those who supported us in the search for Helen in whatever way they could. “In life, Helen was a very just person and we know that she would now wish, like us, for justice to be done. As will be understandable, we request that our privacy be respected at this awful time.”