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Fraser loses Arlene murder appeal Fraser loses Arlene murder appeal
(10 minutes later)
Nat Fraser has lost his appeal against a life jail term for killing his wife Arlene.Nat Fraser has lost his appeal against a life jail term for killing his wife Arlene.
The 48-year-old was jailed in 2003 after being found guilty of murdering the 33-year-old.The 48-year-old was jailed in 2003 after being found guilty of murdering the 33-year-old.
The mother-of-two went missing in Elgin, Moray, in April 1998. Her body has never been found.The mother-of-two went missing in Elgin, Moray, in April 1998. Her body has never been found.
The defence team in the appeal at the Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh last year claimed Fraser had been the victim of a miscarriage of justice. Arlene's relatives cried and hugged each other at the Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh as the decision was announced. Fraser show no emotion.
The defence team had last year claimed Fraser had been the victim of a miscarriage of justice.
The prosecution case had included claims Arlene's engagement, wedding and eternity rings were placed in the bathroom of her house several days after she vanished.The prosecution case had included claims Arlene's engagement, wedding and eternity rings were placed in the bathroom of her house several days after she vanished.
Evidence later emerged that two police officers may have seen the rings in Arlene's house shortly after she disappeared.
READ IN FULL Summary of appeal by Nat Gordon Fraser [126KB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader hereREAD IN FULL Summary of appeal by Nat Gordon Fraser [126KB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here
Evidence later emerged that two police officers may have seen the rings in Arlene's house shortly after she disappeared.
However, the appeal judges said the original evidence against Fraser was overwhelming.However, the appeal judges said the original evidence against Fraser was overwhelming.
Lord Gill said: "The circumstantial evidence alone constituted a compelling case against the appellant."Lord Gill said: "The circumstantial evidence alone constituted a compelling case against the appellant."
Fraser showed little emotion as he was led away, carrying a notebook, to begin the remainder of his sentence. Fraser was led away, carrying a notebook, to begin the remainder of his sentence.
Grampian Police Assistant Chief Constable Jim Stephen said: "Today's result means that Nat Fraser will continue to pay for his crime. This must be a source of comfort to Arlene's family who have had to endure considerable pain and anxiety throughout the appeal period.Grampian Police Assistant Chief Constable Jim Stephen said: "Today's result means that Nat Fraser will continue to pay for his crime. This must be a source of comfort to Arlene's family who have had to endure considerable pain and anxiety throughout the appeal period.
"Their support for Grampian Police has been unstinting and their patience and strength have been quite remarkable. We hope that in some way today's verdict will help them close one traumatic chapter of their lives."Their support for Grampian Police has been unstinting and their patience and strength have been quite remarkable. We hope that in some way today's verdict will help them close one traumatic chapter of their lives.
"This outcome recognises the hard work and commitment of the Arlene Fraser inquiry team which demonstrated, throughout, a commendable level of determination and professionalism in the face of a difficult and complex investigation.""This outcome recognises the hard work and commitment of the Arlene Fraser inquiry team which demonstrated, throughout, a commendable level of determination and professionalism in the face of a difficult and complex investigation."
The appeal decision came just a few days after the 10th anniversary of Arlene's disappearance.The appeal decision came just a few days after the 10th anniversary of Arlene's disappearance.