No need to search garage, murder suspect told police
St Albans Crown Court was told that when police went to arrest Stewart, who was wearing a dressing gown, he said: “You’re joking!”
The 56-year-old computer expert was asked if he understood why he was being held and replied, “I guess so”, then added: “Bloody hell! Why?”
Jurors were shown film of the arrest in which Stewart is allowed to get dressed and fetch medication, says the garage door should not be open and asks: “Have you found her?”
Father-of-two Stewart denies murdering Ms Bailey in April 2016. He also denies fraud, perverting the course of justice and preventing a lawful burial.
Stewart allegedly told his son two men called Nick and Joe were to blame for the disappearance of Ms Bailey, who was famed as the author of the Electra Brown books aimed at teenage girls. The court heard that while police were searching for her Stewart “came very close” to committing suicide at the couple’s seaside cottage in Broadstairs, Kent.
Stewart is said to have killed Ms Bailey to get his hands on her £4million fortune, with several attempts allegedly made to access her online bank account after she vanished.
Simon Russell Flint, defending, said that on the evening of the day the writer went missing Stewart was watching his son Jamie play bowls.
The trial continues.