Banker bailed in murder probe after wife found dead at stables
A TOP banker arrested on suspicion of murder after his wife was found dead at her stables has been bailed.
Keen rider Ann Marie Pomphret, 49, was discovered with fatal head injuries at a secluded spot near Warrington, Cheshire.
Her husband David, 50, understood to be an associate vice president at Barclays, was later quizzed by detectives.
Police were alerted amid concerns for Ms Pomphret’s safety at around 10pm on Friday. The victim, known to her family as Marie, was discovered later that night.
A post-mortem examination has now concluded her cause of death was serious head injuries.
Forensics officers, including underwater search teams, have spent the past three days scouring land and a brook close to the stables, allegedly looking for a weapon.
They are also appealing for three cyclists who were in the vicinity to contact them as possible witnesses.
Ms Pomphret, a former finance worker and civil servant, volunteered at prestigious dressage events and has been described as “an amazing horsewoman”.
She lived with her husband of 21 years in a plush £500,000 home in the village of Winwick, Cheshire – a property that used to be owned by pop star Kerry Katona.
The couple are believed to have bought about six acres of land at the spot where Mrs Pomphret’s body was discovered.
David Pomphret’s LinkedIn profile says he joined Barclays earlier this year and works as a “solution architect” on the mobile payments arm.
It is understood he used to work for Unilever and the Department for Work and Pensions.
Ms Pomphret’s heartbroken family said in a statement: “Marie was a beloved daughter, wife and mother.
“She loved nothing more than spending time with her family out in nature, looking after their horses. We are devastated that she has been taken from us so young and in such a senseless way.
“We ask that anyone who has any information no matter how small to inform the police as soon as possible.”
A Cheshire police spokesman said: “A 50-year-old man arrested as part of inquiries into the death of Ann Marie Pomphret on Friday, November 2, in Burtonwood, near Warrington, has been released on conditional bail.”