Man due in court after being charged with the murder of Claire Holland

A 40-year-old man is due to appear in court after being charged with the murder of Claire Holland.

Claire, from Lawrence Weston, has not been seen or heard from since she went missing in June 2012. She was 32 years old at the time.

Darren Osment, of Chessel Drive, Patchway, was arrested on Tuesday (August 2), and charged earlier today. He’s been remanded in custody to appear before Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (August 4).

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.”