After being accused of the murder of a 10-year-old missing mother, a man will appear at court.
Claire Holland, 32-year-old from Bristol, disappeared after she left the Seamus O’Donnell’s pub on St Nicholas Street around 11.15pm, June 6, 2012.
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The 32-year-old man was reported missing just a few days later.
Darren Osment (40), of Patchway in South Gloucestershire was taken into custody on August 2.
He will appear in front of the Bristol Magistrates’ court today, Thursday August 4.
Det Supt Gary Haskins, head of the Major Crime Investigation Team at Avon and Somerset Police, 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 is the Senior District Crown Prosecutor at the CPS South West Complex Casework Unit. He stated: “The Crown Prosecution Service authorised Avon and Somerset Police Darren Osment, 40, with one charge of murder.
“Authority was granted to file charges following a complex investigation carried out by the Major Crime Investigation Team. The Complex Casework Unit supported the team.
“An extensive review of all the evidence gathered has led us to conclude that our legal tests to commence a prosecution have been met.”
Last year, the Major Crime Investigation Team released CCTV footage that showed Claire the day after her disappearance.
Police issued a request for additional information and conducted several targeted searches within and around Bristol.
Det Insp Darren Hannant, Senior Investigating Officer at the time, stated that “we’d like for the public to recall The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Weekend which was the weekend of 2-5 Juni in 2012”.
“Claire disappeared the day following this important national event.
“CCTV captures Claire walking down Baldwin Street, towards Seamus O’Donnell’s pub at 9.30pm on Wednesday, June 6.
“We don’t have any footage of her leaving the pub after closing, but staff confirmed that she left it later that night, just after 11.15pm.
“It is possible she headed in the direction of the fountains, near the Harbourside, but we don’t have any footage of her doing so, despite extensive reviews of more than 1,000 hours of available CCTV.”
Claire is described to be white, about 5ft tall and of small build. Her hair is usually tied in a ponytail.
Last seen in black trousers with a grey top underneath, and a black short-sleeved shirt. She also carried a Primark reusable carrier bag in cream.
Det Insp. Hannant stated: “At present, we’re treating Claire’s vanishance as suspicious.
“Claire did not know why she was going missing and had already made plans for the week after her disappearance.
“Claire’s loved ones are being kept informed about the progress of the investigation and we’re committed providing the answers they require.
“Specially trained liaison officers will continue to support them at this very difficult time.”