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Police inquiry into Lucie trust Police inquiry into Lucie trust
(about 2 hours later)
Police are investigating an alleged theft of money from a trust in memory of Lucie Blackman, the Kent woman who was murdered while working in Japan.Police are investigating an alleged theft of money from a trust in memory of Lucie Blackman, the Kent woman who was murdered while working in Japan.
Hampshire Police have written to her Isle of Wight-based father Tim Blackman asking for an explanation of apparent financial discrepancies.Hampshire Police have written to her Isle of Wight-based father Tim Blackman asking for an explanation of apparent financial discrepancies.
The Lucie Blackman Trust, which denies any wrongdoing, has assured it can account for any missing money. Mr Blackman, who founded the Lucie Blackman Trust, said in a statement that there was no case to answer.
Hampshire Police said a complaint had been made which was being investigated.Hampshire Police said a complaint had been made which was being investigated.
A force spokeswoman said: "A complaint has been received by Hampshire Constabulary relating to an allegation of theft within the Lucie Blackman Trust.A force spokeswoman said: "A complaint has been received by Hampshire Constabulary relating to an allegation of theft within the Lucie Blackman Trust.
"The force is in the early stages of its investigation, and can make no further comment at this time.""The force is in the early stages of its investigation, and can make no further comment at this time."
A spokesman for the trust denied any suggestion that thousands of pounds had gone missing from the charity, which promotes safety among young people. In the statement, Mr Blackman said: "Following an inquiry from Hampshire police, an internal investigation was conducted into the allegations of financial discrepancies.
"Following that, we have concluded there is no case to answer.
"We welcome any police inquiry to clarify this fact and to ensure the trust is cleared of these claims."
Tim Blackman is being investigated by Hampshire policeTim Blackman is being investigated by Hampshire police
He said there was an innocent explanation for the gap between money paid and received. The Charity Commission, a body which regulates charities in England and Wales, said it had received a complaint relating to the administration and management of the charity, which promotes safety among young people.
"There is no money missing," he added.
The Charity Commission, a government body which regulates charities in England and Wales, said it had received a complaint relating to the administration and management of the charity.
"We are currently considering these concerns to determine what action, if any, may be required from us," said a spokesman."We are currently considering these concerns to determine what action, if any, may be required from us," said a spokesman.
Mr Blackman has declined to comment.
Miss Blackman, from Sevenoaks, Kent, disappeared in July 2000 while working as a bar hostess in the Roppongi bar district of Tokyo.
Condolence moneyCondolence money
Miss Blackman, from Sevenoaks, disappeared in July 2000 while working as a bar hostess in the Roppongi bar district of Tokyo.
The 21-year-old's dismembered body was discovered in a cave, 100 yards from Japanese businessman Joji Obara's apartment after a seven-month search in 2001.The 21-year-old's dismembered body was discovered in a cave, 100 yards from Japanese businessman Joji Obara's apartment after a seven-month search in 2001.
Obara, 54, was cleared of raping and killing her at Tokyo District Court last week, but jailed for life in connection with other offences.Obara, 54, was cleared of raping and killing her at Tokyo District Court last week, but jailed for life in connection with other offences.
Mr Blackman has been strongly criticised by his ex-wife and Lucie's mother, Jane Steare, for accepting £450,000 condolence money from a friend of Obara. Mr Blackman has been strongly criticised by his ex-wife and Lucie's mother, Jane Steare, for accepting £450,000 of condolence money from a friend of Obara.
Hampshire Police have confirmed they are also investigating an allegation made by Mrs Steare last November that Mr Blackman wrongly took the £450,000.Hampshire Police have confirmed they are also investigating an allegation made by Mrs Steare last November that Mr Blackman wrongly took the £450,000.
Mrs Steare has said that Mr Blackman does not legally represent the family.Mrs Steare has said that Mr Blackman does not legally represent the family.