Man charged over 1983 wife murder

Fred and Edwina Boyle moved from Cardiff to Melbourne

The husband of a Cardiff woman who disappeared 23 years ago after they emigrated to Australia has been charged with her murder.

The remains of Edwina Boyle were reportedly found in a wheelie-bin in Frederick Boyle's garden in Melbourne, Australia.

The couple, who had two children, moved from Peterston-super-Ely near Cardiff, in the early 1970s.

Mr Boyle has been remanded in custody by Melbourne magistrates.

Mrs Boyle's sister Valerie Bordley, who now lives in Watford, says she feels "shock, horror, relief".

An Australian newspaper report said homicide squad detectives had "raided" Mr Boyle's home early on Friday.

It is understood Mr Boyle's son-in-law discovered the bones and alerted police.

The couple met when they were both working on buses in Cardiff.

It doesn't matter how far away it is, I wouldn't give up Valerie Bordley

Mrs Boyle was said to have worked as a conductor, and her husband a bus driver.

It was claimed she disappeared from her home in North Dandenong, Melbourne in October 1983, after a domestic row.

Following her disappearance, Mr Boyle is said to have moved to Carrum Downs in Melbourne's south-east, where the remains were found.

'Hefty reward'

At the time of Mrs Boyle's disappearance, the Australian police launched a "huge investigation" and in 1994 a coroner's inquiry was held.

A year later the police offered an "hefty reward" of about £20,000.

Despite efforts, many thought the disappearance of Edwina Boyle would remain a mystery.

Ms Bordley said she had been searching for her sister ever since, and had never given up hope of finding the truth.

"I've been over to Australia, constantly on the telephone to Australia," she said. "It's not easy, but it doesn't matter how far away it is, I wouldn't give up, I couldn't give up.

"It's been a living nightmare."