Crime

Jury considers verdict in parachute plunge case

Published

8 years ago

21st November 2017

Winol Reporter

Emile Cilliers, 37, on the left, arriving at Winchester Crown Court.

Army sergeant Emile Cilliers, 37, is accused of two counts of attempted murder against his wife; Victoria Cilliers.

First by causing a gas leak in their marital home and secondly by sabotaging her parachute before she went skydiving.

Emile Cilliers denies all of the charges.

The jury were sent out to begin deliberation on Tuesday 14th November.

Throughout the trial which is in its sixth week, prosecuting QC Michael Bowes presented texts and emails between Mr Cilliers and the three different women he was seeing. These messages showed him lying in order to carry on these affairs.

The prosecution claimed that these messages showed he was “coercive, abusive, callous, contemptuous” towards Victoria and that he “took advantage” of her “financially to support his excessive spending habits”.

The defence said Mr Cilliers was being portrayed as a “pantomime villain” and that despite his “financial incontinence”, “self indulgent spending habits”, his affairs and his admitted habitual lying, he was a good father who cooked for his family and did DIY around the house.

Michael Bowes, prosecuting, claims Mr Cilliers’ motives were to get rid of private debt he had with Victoria, to receive a £120,000 life insurance payment from her death, and lastly to carry on his affair with Stefanie Goller, whom he met on Tinder.

Elizabeth Marsh QC, for the defence, said the methods Mr Cilliers supposedly used showed a “lack of preparation” for someone who would be killing for money.

Lastly, in response to Mr Cilliers’ repetitive lies, Ms Marsh QC said “lies that fan the flames of lust are not motive for murder”.

The jury, consisting of nine women and three men continue to deliberate at Winchester Crown Court.

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Crime

Police issue advice after linked burglaries in Chineham

Published

2 weeks ago

9th November 2025

Jade Edwards-Lowe

Officers are investigating two burglaries that happened on the same day in De Port Gardens, Chineham, Basingstoke.

According to Hampshire Constabulary, both incidents happened on Thursday, 23 October.

The first burglary took place between 9am and midnight, with items including a silver watch, gold and silver jewellery, and cash reported stolen.

The second occurred between 1.30pm and 10pm, during which cash, jewellery, and bags were taken.

Police believe the two burglaries are connected and are carrying out inquiries in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.

Police advice to local jewellers

Hampshire Constabulary is urging local jewellers – particularly those with high-value gold jewellery – to take extra precautions, as such items are often targeted by burglars.

Police recommendations:

– Investing in a safe and monitored alarm system.
– Ensuring doors and windows are locked and using light timers when out.
– Keeping an online inventory and photographs of jewellery via Immobilise.
– Booking a free home security survey with the Blue Lamp Trust on 0300 777 0157.
– Avoiding sharing details of holidays or absences on social media.

Suspicious activity can be reported by calling 101.

Crime

Hampshire police renew appeal in unsolved murder case, 36 years on

Published

4 weeks ago

22nd October 2025

Jade Edwards-Lowe

Detectives in Hampshire have renewed their appeal for information into the unsolved murder of Southampton jeweller Richard “Ricky” Haywood, who was killed in his flat above Ambiance Jewellers on Shirley Road, Totton, on 16 October 1989.

Mr Haywood, 36, was shot multiple times inside his home.

Despite decades of investigation, no one has been charged in connection with his murder.

Case eeopened & New Evidence Reviewed

The investigation was reopened in 2024, with Hampshire Constabulary reviewing:

Thousands of reports and witness statements
Fresh interviews with over 200 people linked to the original investigation

Police say an anonymous tip submitted to Crimestoppers in 2004, once considered minor, now forms part of a broader intelligence picture that could be crucial in solving the case.

“When we received this information back in 2004 it was just one fragment which, alone, didn’t add much to the investigation. However, together with new information we’ve gathered, it is now starting to build a clearer picture.” – Det Insp Elizabeth Brunt, senior investigating officer

Appeal for Information

Investigators are asking the person who made the 2004 tip – or anyone who recognises the details – to come forward.

Contact Hampshire Police: 101, quoting Operation Tango
Contact Crimestoppers anonymously: 0800 555 111

Those providing information can remain completely anonymous.

Crimestoppers is offering a £20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

“After more than four decades, someone out there still holds the final piece of information that could help deliver justice for Ricky and closure for his loved ones. We know that silence can come from fear or loyalty, but Crimestoppers provides a completely safe way to share what you know without ever revealing your identity.” – Beth Simpson, south central west regional manager, Crimestoppers

Possible accomplices & wider appeal

Police believe Mr Haywood’s killer may have had at least one accomplice, and that some people with vital knowledge may now live outside Hampshire.

Media outlets across the region are helping spread the appeal, encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

Family awaiting answers

After 36 years, Ricky Haywood’s family are still waiting for answers.

Police say that with ongoing investigations and new evidence being reviewed, they are closer than ever to uncovering what happened that night in Totton.