Darren Osment, 40, will appear at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday accused of murdering 32-year-old Claire Holland. Holland, from the Lawrence Weston area of Bristol, was last seen leaving Seamus O’Donnell’s pub in the city center at 11.15pm on June 6, 2012, the day after the Queen’s Diamond Weekend. She was reported missing a few days later, and has not been spotted or reported since despite many massive searches and appeals for information. Avon and Somerset Police said Osment, of Patchway, South Gloucestershire, was remanded in custody. Det Supt Gary Haskins, head of the major crime investigation team, said: “This is a pivotal moment in our investigation and we have informed Claire’s family now that a man has been charged with her murder. “We will continue to provide any support they need through our dedicated Family Liaison Officer.” Ben Samples, senior district crown prosecutor of the CPS South West complex case unit, added: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorized Avon and Somerset Police to charge Darren Osment with one count of murder. “The charge follows a complex investigation by the Major Crime Squad, which was supported by the complex case unit. “An extensive review of all the evidence gathered has led us to conclude that our legal tests for prosecuting have been met. “The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that the criminal proceedings against Darren Osment are active and that he is entitled to a fair trial. “It is extremely important that there is no reporting, commenting or sharing of information online that could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
