Briton questioned over murder

CHALONG: A sombre mood has settled over the Chalong yachting community after police questioned Briton Michael John Taylor, 40, over the murder of his 28-year-old live-in girlfriend Jantra Weangta, from Tak, who was found dead in their home early yesterday morning.

Mr Taylor, known locally as “Mick the Pom” and a regular sailor in Phuket regattas, was questioned by police after he reported finding K. Jantra dead on the bed in their Chalong home.

She had been stabbed once in the chest. A large Bowie knife was found nearby.

Pol Maj Jessada Sangsuree, inspector of Chalong Police Station, said that Mr Taylor told police that he returned home early this morning after drinking at the Moonlight Bar in Karon.

“Mr Taylor returned home with Mr Fonnoi Khonsau, 21, but when they arrived at the house, they found K. Jantra dead on the bed,” he said.

“The evidence we have found suggests that Mr Taylor was the murderer, but he has denied the accusation,” Maj Jessada said.

Police took away a pair of bloodstained trousers found in the bedroom with the body.

Mr Taylor was later released, but police are holding his passport while they continue their investigation.