Ex-skydiving teacher charged with murder of his lover, 50
A FORMER skydiving centre boss has been charged with murdering his partner – a fellow instructor.
Clair Armstrong, 50, was found dead at her home in the early hours of Sunday by police responding to a ‘concern for safety’ alert.
Ashley ‘Ash’ Kemp, 54, who managed hibaldstow Skydiving Centre near Lincoln until July, appeared at Grimsby Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
Miss Armstrong taught formation skydiving at the centre, where Kemp, also a qualified pilot, was manager until July. She also ran a beauticians in nearby Messingham, where she lived.
In an article for the website skydivemag.com, he said: ‘I can fly the jump plane, take tandems, instruct accelerated freefall, formation skydiving coach, drop zone control, reception, clean the toilets and drive buses.’
News of her death shocked villagers, with some in tears.
A neighbour who knew her said: ‘She was really friendly and a nice person. We often said hello to one another when walking the dogs. I just can’t believe it’s happened right on my doorstep. It’s scary.
‘ I’m just glad we’re not in any danger.’
One resident said: ‘I’ve been born and bred in Messingham and I would never have expected anything like this to ever happen here.’ Another added: ‘Police were here on Sunday asking us questions about whether we know anything or if we’d heard anything.
‘I remember driving past and being quite shocked by the police being here, though. It’s a really quiet area.’
A third added: ‘this is no longer the estate it used to be.’ Miss Armstrong’s family is being supported by specialist officers from humberside Police.
the force said a cordon would remain around her home for several days while detectives carry out their investigation.
In a message to the public, Detective Chief Inspector Simon Vickers said: ‘We understand that a tragic incident of this nature will cause shock to the local community, but I would like to reassure people that this is an isolated incident between individuals known to each other with no wider risk to members of the public.
‘those living in the area can expect to see a number of officers over the coming days.
‘A scene guard remains in place, and we continue with our investigation. I would encourage anyone with information, or anyone with concerns, to speak to us.’ Kemp was remanded in custody and will next appear at hull Crown Court.