A witness who knew Ruth reported seeing her walking along Reigate Road with a suitcase on the day of her disappearance, or the day after.
Back in 1995 it was still easy to get a driving licence as photo licences were not introduced until 98 or 99. Possession of such a licence could then be used to leverage other forms of identification. Although only 16 Ruth would have been able to apply for such a licence for a moped. The British Visitors passport (a one year passport, much easier to get than a full passport) was also still available in 1995 (it was withdrawn in 1996). I seem to recall that a driving licence would have been an acceptable form of identification for this passport which could be got over the counter at Post Offices. Seems surprising but much has changed since those days.
I am doubtful about the shop sighting, but it is possible. However I find the Reigate Road sighting more persuasive as it was someone who knew her. The problem, as has been previously discussed, is that Reigate Road runs several miles from Dorking to Reigate and it is important to know where she was seen on that road - information which I have not seen. A precise location could indicate proximity to home, Betchworth station, friends homes etc. The comment that she was seen 5 miles from the pub where she was dropped makes no sense and I suspect is a 'by road' distance (as you would need to go back to Dorking and out by road). There are many pathways across Box Hill to get from the pub down to the Reigate Road much quicker.
That video was a very very interesting share - I found out several new things.
I assumed references to dropping off were used fairly loosely and, most probably, the taxi driver just dropped her at the pub car park where it would be easy to pull in and turn round. Not a lay by in the strict sense but the obvious place. The old quarry is at the base of Box Hill if you follow a straight line from The Tree down the hill toward Brockham (which is next to her home village of Betchworth). It is just on the Box Hill side of the railway line and is now a fishing lake. I think there are additional minor quarry workings in the vicinity of the lake but tree covered and much less significant. At the time the quarry area was searched by both police and sniffer dogs, to no effect. I do not know if the lake was dived but given the commercial fishing use a body would have almost certainly been snagged or detected during maintenance.
Thanks for the response! So, from what you've said I'm guessing the quarry is what's now marked as "The old quarry fishery and trials" on Google...very odd. So, she gets dropped off at the pub which is about a mile away (as the crow flies) from the quarry where the notes were found. I don't know the area, but from Google maps it would seem strange to get dropped off at that location when the A25, a main road, is much nearer the quarry. As you say, nothing seems to make much sense!
The taxi driver specifically said he dropped Ruth at a bridleway near the pub (star on the map). According to the Ordnance Survey map the only bridleway is virtually opposite the pub and leads east around what could also be quarry to the B2032 road, or south-west towards the quarry marked on OS map (see image). In the 'Vanished' documentary, the entrance to the bridleway (nearly opposite the pub) appears to be the location where they talk to Kay and Roxy.
I believe the handwriting was verified as being hers, but the police have never stated the contents of the notes. I think you're right though. If her intention was suicide, she could have done it at home when everyone was out. If she wanted to go elsewhere to take her own life, then you'd expect the notes to either be on her person or left at home...in my view anyway.
Thank you! It really helps seeing it on an OS map. What strikes me is the number of possible exit routes via the footpaths. Martin Bright stated in the article below that she used to go there a lot after school. She knows the area, knows the footpaths and would likely be able to navigate her way around after dark.
She attended Ashcombe School, the main secondary school for that side of Dorking. But I do not think times are material. Whilst the school day would finish circa 3.30pm she was in the 6th form and these A level pupils often only need to attend if they have classes (and would not be missed/chased if missing for a single day). This was certainly true with my own daughter about 10 years later and also in Surrey.
Thanks for the info! I was wondering if, given that Ruth used to go to Box Hill regularly after school, this is why she waited until after 4pm to get the taxi up there - so, for example, did she used to meet someone up there regularly after she finished school around that time? Is that why she waited all day? I'm just brain storming ideas - as you say though, being in sixth form she likely finished at different times throughout the day anyway, so I may be way off the mark!
This is a really useful summary of the case and highlights a couple extra questions for me;For anyone who hasn't seen this link, it's a great summary of the case along with bits of info I wasn't aware of. If anybody wants a read
MISSING: OPERATION SCHOLAR: RUTH WILSON
It is fine as a summary but be aware of two things (mentioned on this thread before);For anyone who hasn't seen this link, it's a great summary of the case along with bits of info I wasn't aware of. If anybody wants a read
MISSING: OPERATION SCHOLAR: RUTH WILSON
Absolutely agree with the above. I have seen a few things MWT has presented before, and always tend to get the impression that the intention is less about actually solving a case and more about dramatising it. But I do think the link is quite well set out and just gives a summary for anybody wanting a general overview of the case.
I do think these 2 points are still significant regardless of MWT integrity.
