Dubai: The Public Prosecution has charged Francis Matthew, Editor at Large, Gulf News, with the premeditated murder of his wife, Jane, the Dubai Media Office said.
Dubai Police received a call from the suspect, Francis Matthew, on Tuesday saying his wife had been assaulted by thieves who broke into their home in Jumeirah, the Dubai Media Office said in a series of tweets.
Preliminary investigations revealed the British woman died due to a strong hit on the head with a solid object. Investigations also pointed to the husband’s involvement in the crime.
Matthew confessed to policemen that he killed his wife following a fight, according to a tweet. He was referred to the family prosecution in the presence of the legal translator.
Upon investigations by the public prosecution, the suspect confessed to assaulting his wife with a hammer, but he did not mean to kill her.
Matthew has been charged as per the Federal Penal Code.
The Public Prosecution will continue its investigations.
Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief of Gulf News and Executive Director Publications, said in a statement: “We are shocked and saddened at this tragedy. Francis was editor of the paper from 1995-2005.
"He is a well-respected journalist, known for his keen insight into the Middle East. He was holding the position of Editor at Large at the time of the incident. Both Francis and Jane have played a very active role in the British expatriate community over the past 30 years.
“We pray to the Almighty that her soul rests in peace and that the family is given the strength and patience to overcome this very difficult situation. Gulf News’s thoughts and prayers are with the family. We request that the family be given the privacy they need to cope with their grief.”
