This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/7973212.stm
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Thai death yachtsman's body found | Thai death yachtsman's body found |
(20 minutes later) | |
Fishermen in Thailand have found the body of a British yachtsman who was murdered as he sailed with his wife, the Foreign Office said. | Fishermen in Thailand have found the body of a British yachtsman who was murdered as he sailed with his wife, the Foreign Office said. |
It is thought Malcolm Robertson, 64, from Sussex, was beaten and had his throat cut by men who boarded his boat, before throwing his body into the sea. | It is thought Malcolm Robertson, 64, from Sussex, was beaten and had his throat cut by men who boarded his boat, before throwing his body into the sea. |
His wife Linda, 57, was tied up, and dumped below deck during the attack off the Andaman sea coast a week ago. | His wife Linda, 57, was tied up, and dumped below deck during the attack off the Andaman sea coast a week ago. |
Mrs Robertson suffered minor injuries and was rescued by a passing boat. | Mrs Robertson suffered minor injuries and was rescued by a passing boat. |
Speaking after the body was found, Mrs Robertson's brother, John Clee, 63, from Battle, East Sussex, said the family felt a sense of "relief". | |
"I had a text message from Linda saying how he was identified and how she was now feeling totally drained. | |
"This sorts a lot of things out. We know that charges of murder can now be laid against those responsible," he said. | |
"Not only that, but my sister can also bring home her husband and hopefully bring some closure to this whole thing." | |
Pirate attack | Pirate attack |
Reports in Thailand said his body was recovered by fishermen about 10 nautical miles north of Satun's Lipeh Island. | Reports in Thailand said his body was recovered by fishermen about 10 nautical miles north of Satun's Lipeh Island. |
Three Burmese migrants were charged with kidnap, assault and theft, but the Thai authorities said they could not bring a murder charge until they had found Mr Robertson's body. | |
He and his wife had been sailing near Koh Dong island when their yacht was boarded by pirates as they slept. | He and his wife had been sailing near Koh Dong island when their yacht was boarded by pirates as they slept. |
Mrs Robertson was held on board their 44ft vessel for about 10 hours. | |
Last Friday, she faced the three accused men in court in Thailand, recalling how she feared for her life. | |
Mr Robertson was the owner of a chain of coffee shops around his home town of Hastings and St Leonards. | |
The couple, who had been married for 25 years, had two children each from previous relationships and seven grandchildren between them. | |
A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "Our thoughts are with Mrs Robertson and her family at this difficult time. | |
"The embassy team with them is providing consular support." |