British newspaper boss charged with murdering wife in Dubai
Francis Matthew, editor-at-large of Gulf News, was arrested after Jane Matthew died from a blow to the head with a solid object.
Tuesday 11 July 2017 06:32, UK
A British journalist in Dubai has been charged with murdering his 62-year-old wife.
Francis Matthew, editor-at-large of Gulf News, was arrested last week after Jane Matthew died from a blow to the head with a solid object.
He had called police on Tuesday saying his wife was assaulted by thieves who broke into their Jumeirah home, according to authorities.
When officers arrived they found him trying to revive her, but she was unresponsive. She was taken to hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Matthew, 60, has allegedly confessed to police that he killed her with a hammer following a fight, but claimed he did not mean to kill her, say officials.
He has been described as a "well-respected journalist" and the couple "played a very active role in the British expatriate community over the past 30 years".
Abdul Hamid Ahmad, editor-in-chief of Gulf News, said in a statement: "We are shocked and saddened at this tragedy.
"Francis was editor of the paper from 1995-2005. He is a well-respected journalist, known for his keen insight into the Middle East.
"He was holding the position of editor at large at the time of the incident."
A Foreign Office spokesman confirmed a British national died in Dubai on 4 July and said support is being provided to the family.
"We are also providing support to a British national detained in Dubai," the spokesman added.