Beddau murder probe: Wife suspect over body in plastic

A skeleton found in plastic wrapping in the garden of a block of flats was that of a man who was last seen in 1997 and his late wife is the main suspect in the murder investigation.

Police say John Sabine, who would now have been 85, is believed to have moved to Trem-Y-Cwm, Beddau, Rhondda Cynon Taff in February of that year.

His wife Leigh Ann Sabine, died from cancer on 30 October 2015, aged 74.

DNA confirmed his identity and his injuries were consistent with assault.

Mr Sabine was never reported as a missing person and the circumstances of where the body was concealed is part of the ongoing investigation.

Police are also investigating the financial activities of the couple who have estranged children. They have been located and informed.

South Wales Police Det Ch Insp Gareth Morgan said: "This is an extraordinary set of circumstances and we are working tirelessly to put together the pieces of what is a complex investigation.

"We would appreciate hearing from anyone who knew John and Leigh (Ann) Sabine and who may have socialised with them or met them back in 1996-1997.

"We would also appeal directly to the community in and around Trem-Y-Cwm to contact us with any information they may have in relation to the plastic wrapping that Mr Sabine was concealed in."

Anyone with information should call 101.