Police 'have blood on their hands'

Linda Watson claimed at an inquest into Richard Watson's death that Sussex Police failed to prosecute the main suspect in his killing, despite having enough evidence.

A man arrested on the night of the murder in December 1996 was a suspect named Paul Garfield-Jones. He was released on bail and never charged.

Antiques dealer Garfield-Jones, who is serving 17 years for attempted murder in connection with a separate case, was charged with burgling Mr Watson's computer firm in 1995.

Speaking after the inquest, at which a verdict of unlawful killing was returned, 50-year-old Mrs Watson said: "Sussex Police have blood on their hands.

"I feel like I have been in prison for the last eight years. I have not been able to grieve for Richard. I have fought to bring the man who murdered my husband to the steps of Sussex Police but they have done nothing about it."

Detective Inspector Philip Mays said a second investigation had received intelligence which may have led to a prosecution - that the suspect had used a false alibi and had intimidated witnesses. But the information was "corrupt".

He said: "Some persons have provided information for ulterior motives. We have also had anonymous letters."

Police believed there was no realistic chance of a conviction without new evidence.

Mrs Watson's solicitor Mathew Knight said: "We believe there is a strong case to prosecute a main suspect now."