The news pinged through yesterday evening on my Sky News app. It stated ‘25 year old male’ ... so I presumed PR. A quick scroll through the national press confirming it. Then I came here to see what had been discussed, only to find the site down - worst timing!!!
So, charged with murder this time. To those speculating they wanted him charged for his other offences first, I think you might well be right. Now he’s a convicted sex offender it might be more plausible getting the charge to stick if they’re relying on circumstantial evidence? Can they mention his previous record if he’s brought to trial for this? Of course it most definitely gives strong pointers to his character - but would that be classed as prejudicing the case? Interesting that they’re questioning him on a murder charge, not manslaughter. I personally have never thought Libby would run up the slope into the water, from the videos Strontium shared of the park I just couldn’t picture that. The bench with the little markers photographed late that night was important. And do I remember rightly, did they then head down to the boat house and take pictures close to the waters edge?
He enjoys the fear. He doesn’t run or shy away once caught or seen, he takes great pleasure in that part. Libby was screaming in the park, I don’t believe he panicked or let her run into the water, I think he enjoyed her fear and then wanted to ensure she couldn’t tell anyone. I don’t believe it was accidental. I do think his dark needs escalated that night to levels he maybe did not anticipate .. but in the moment he couldn’t stop himself taking things further. Then, with the realisation his wife and children might find out, he did what he had to to protect his identity. He’d brazenly got away with terrorising students in his own back yard (not literally, although within a 0.2mile radius) but I suspect he realised he’d gone too far this time and that there was a good chance poor Libby would be able to identify him. Whether she died before entering the water, the post-mortem would presumably reveal. All MOO.
Hoping for a charge this time. Then his solicitor can apply for a second post-mortem (their right as I understand it?) and finally Libby’s family can have her back to lay her to rest.