Man charged with murder of Catherine Gowing

Police in Wales have charged a man with the murder of Offaly native Catherine Gowing, the 37 year old vet who has been missing from her home in North Wales since last Friday. The Crown Prosecution Service concluded this evening (Friday) that there is sufficient evidence to charge Clive Sharpe with the murder and it is in the public interest to do so. "The Crown Prosecution Service has been in close contact with North Wales Police as their investigation into Catherine Gowing's disappearance has developed," District Crown Prosecutor Karen Dixon said. "We can now confirm that, having carefully carried out a detailed review of the evidence gathered so far by North Wales Police, 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' Court tomorrow (Saturday) morning." Detective Superintendent John Hanson renewed an appeal this evening for anyone who was in and around the area of a disused quarry in Pinfold Lane, Alltami at any time last weekend to come forward with any information that may assist police. "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," he said. "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." Members of Catherine's family remain in Wales and are being supported by family liaison officers there.