Man charged with murder of mother-of-seven nearly 30 years after she disappeared

A man is accused of murdering a mother of seven who disappeared in 1998.

Trevor Dunkley, 66, has been charged in connection with the death of Patricia Lashley, who was last seen at her flat in Hall Street, Dudley, in September 1998, West Midlands Police said on Thursday.

Police said he was remanded in custody to appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Monday.

Officers are supporting Ms Lashley’s family and have appealed for further information from anyone who knew the woman at the time of her disappearance.

Miss Lashley, known to friends as Pat or Jade, was 33 when she disappeared and was known to have links to Newcastle, London, Wales and Scotland.

In addition to the surname Bradford, she also used the names Vanessa and Tricia.

Officers said Ms Lashley moved to Dudley in the mid-1990s and frequented the No Limits club and other pubs in the area. It appears that he and Trevor Dunkley knew each other.

Detective Inspector Michelle Cordell said: “We would like to hear from anyone who knows or remembers meeting Patricia or Trevor Dunkley.

“We know he is quite well known in both Dudley town center and Oldbury.

“If anyone remembers anything or thinks they have any information that might help with our questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

“Even though you had already spoken to us at the time of Patricia’s disappearance, we still want to hear from you as we gather as much information as we can to help her family find some closure after nearly 30 years.”

Anyone with further information can call 101 quoting log 3984 of 7 July.