Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Murder inquiry man released
A man from Aylesham arrested by murder detectives investigating the violent death of a pensioner has been released without charge.
The 52- year- old was questioned on suspicion of assisting an offender and handling stolen goods two months after Roy Blackman was bludgeoned during a burglary. He was told he will face no charges in the same week that four other men, arrested on suspicion of murder, had their bail extended until the end of July.
They are a 41-year-old and a 49-year-old from Maidstone, a 36-year-old from Golford, and a 32-year-old from Sevenoaks.
Another man, William ‘Curly Bill’ Smith, was also arrested on suspicion of murder but was shot dead by police in May.
In total, eight men have been arrested as part of the investigation. Last month, Mark Love, of Staplehurst, denied murder and aggravated burglary when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court.
The 37-year-old is charged with killing Mr Blackman at his home in Biddenden in March.
He is separately accused of stealing thousands of pounds in cash, two shotguns, 300 cartridges, a credit card, four trophies, a watch, a Toyota Hilux car, a pair of binoculars, pigeon shooting accessories and four jackets from a home belonging to world champion clay pigeon shooter George Digweed, MBE.
Love is alleged to have armed himself with a hammer and taser during the burglary in Rye and is due to stand trial in September.
A safe stolen during the incident at Mr Blackman’s bungalow remains missing, with unsuccessful searches carried out in Aylesham in May.
Detectives continue to appeal for any information regarding the whereabouts of the 5ft tall, mustard-coloured, cabinet.
The remaining suspect, a 52- year- old Tenterden man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been bailed until Monday, July 18.
Anyone who saw a gang of workmen near the property in the hours before Mr Blackman’s death in the early hours of Monday, March 21, is also asked to call 01303 289600.