Dubai-based couple Francis and Jane Matthew were supposed to fly back to the United Kingdom (UK) to watch their son’s college graduation.
But after a dispute erupted at their home in Jumeirah on July 4, their son John would instead have to pay them a visit. This time, not to celebrate, but to mourn the death of his mother, and to visit his father in jail.
The Dubai Public Prosecution has charged Francis Matthew, editor-at-Large of Gulf News, with the premeditated murder of his wife.
Dubai Police received a call from the suspect saying that thieves broke into their home and that his wife has been assaulted. His wife Jane was immediately transferred to a hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Upon investigation, the 60-year-old suspect confessed to hitting his wife on the head with a hammer out of anger. He insisted, however, that the assault was unintentional.
According to local reports, Matthew also confessed of fleeing the scene of the crime and hiding the murder weapon in a bin 200 meters from their home.
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.”
The couple had been married for 32 years and are well-known members of Dubai’s British expat community.
Credit: Gulf News, Daily Mail UK
