Police press for Talbot to be tried for murder

PHUKET CITY: Kathu Police today turned over to the Provincial Public Prosecutor’s Office the case file on Paul Chetwynd-Talbot, who stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, fellow Briton Debra O’Hanlon, on July 31.

Chetwynd-Talbot has been held in custody since he surrendered at the Kathu Police Station on the evening of August 3 and confessed to killing 31-year-old Ms O’Hanlon.

Chetwynd-Talbot, 32, told the Gazette from a police cell after his arrest that the killing was unintentional. He said that, during a drunken argument, he threw Ms O’Hanlon onto the bed in the couples’ room at the Eric Guesthouse on Nanai Rd, accidentally breaking her neck and killing her. Her body was discovered the following day.

Pol Col Teeraphol Thipjaroen, Superintendent of Kathu Police Station, told the Gazette, “When he was first arrested, he confessed to having killed Ms O’Hanlon. But on the advice of his lawyer, he has refused to comment further during the police investigation, saying he would prefer to speak only before the court.”

Col Teeraphol said that police have recommended Chetwynd-Talbot be tried for murder, basing their case on evidence from fingerprints, interviews with friends of the couple, and Chetwynd-Talbot’s personal diary.

“Ms O’Hanlon’s family urged us not to allow Talbot out on bail, and we have already passed this recommendation along to the Court,” he added.

Col Teeraphol said he expects Chetwynd-Talbot to appear before the Phuket Provincial Court within a week, after which time it will be up to the Public Prosecutor to consider all the evidence and decide on the specific charges to be laid.