Police officer from New Forest due in court on murder charge

A POLICE officer from the New Forest has been charged with murder following the death of a woman following an attack at a pub near Christchurch.

Timothy Brehmer (41), from Hordle, is due to appear at Poole Magistrates' Court via remote link later today (Tuesday).

He was arrested on Saturday by Dorset officers who were called to the car park of the Horns Inn in Christchurch Road, West Parley, at about 3.40pm following a report from the ambulance service of two people requiring medical assistance.

A 41-year-old woman – named by detectives as Claire Parry from Bournemouth – was taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital for medical treatment where she died on Sunday morning.

A post-mortem examination concluded that the cause of death was a brain injury caused by compression of the neck. Her family is being supported by specially-trained officers.

Brehmer was taken to Poole Hospital for treatment to injuries to his arms and was subsequently released from hospital. Following the death of Mrs Parry, he was further arrested on suspicion of murder. The pair were known to each other.

Brehmer is a constable with Dorset Police who is currently seconded to the National Police Air Service.

Dorset Police Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan said: "Detectives from our major crime investigation team are leading the investigation into this incident.

“We have kept the family of Mrs Parry updated throughout the investigation and family liaison officers continue to support them. Our thoughts remain with her family and friends at this very difficult time.

“Following enquiries into this incident, we have consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service, which has authorised a charge of murder.”

He added: “It is important to stress that it would be entirely inappropriate for Dorset Police to comment any further ahead of the court process. It is vital that the justice system is allowed to follow its course.

“I would also like to remind the public that this matter is now the subject of active court proceedings and the individual charged in connection with this investigation has a right to a fair trial.

“It is important that there should be no commentary or sharing of information online or on social media that could potentially prejudice these proceedings.”

The force said Brehmer was not on duty at the time of the incident but due to his occupation and the “seriousness of the charge”, a referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.