The ex-partner of murdered young mother Janine Bowater has been found dead in his prison cell, just hours before he was due to appear before a judge for the first time.
Murder detectives were questioning 32-year-old John Wright after the body of the barmaid was found dumped outside garages in a Berkshire market town.
The 25-year-old mother-of-three was discovered dead in Thatcham in the early hours of December 12.
Wright had been remanded in custody after being charged with strangling 25-year-old mother of two Janine Bowater outside a block of garages in Thatcham, Berks.
The ex-partner of murdered young mother Janine Bowater has been found dead in his prison cell, just hours before he was due to appear before a judge for the first time.
Wright showed no emotion as he stood in the dock and spoke only to confirm his name and address. He was remanded in custody at Bullingdon Prison in Bicester, Oxfordshire, where his body was discovered.
Today prosecutor Michael Roques stood before Crown Court judge Johanna Cutts and told her that 32-year-old Wright had passed away. It was understood he was found ganged in his remand prison cell.
Addressing the court Mr Roques said: ‘Mr Wright died in the early hours of the morning, today. We are calling formal evidence of the death.
‘I request that we adjourn the case for a number of days.’
Judge Cutts agreed that the case should be adjourned until December 22, for the facts surrounding the sudden death to be established.
Graham Blower, who was set to defend Wright, was unable to tell the press how his client had died.
Friends paid tribute to Ms Bowater, who they said had three young children, sons Lee and Logan and a younger daughter, Teegan.
Her children are said to be in the care of a family friend as heartbroken relatives try to understand what has happened.
The Kings Head pub in Thatcham where Janine worked as a barmaid, was closed after Ms Bowater’s colleagues were told she had died.
A posting on the pub’s Facebook page read: ‘Unfortunately the pub won’t be open today due to shattering news we received this morning.’
Regulars at the pub added comments, with one posting: ‘Feeling for you all, we’re absolutely taken aback and gutted.’
Police in Thatcham today after the body of a mother-of-three was found this morning
Police forensics experts are examining the scene as detectives question a 32-year-old man
A bouquet of flowers was laid at the police cordon, with the message: ‘To the greatest mummy and loving girlfriend with all our love, Lee, Logan and Teegan.’
A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: ‘We have launched a murder investigation following an incident in Thatcham.
Ms Bowater as the ‘greatest mummy and loving girlfriend’ in a tribute at the scene
‘Officers were called this morning at 2.05am following reports that a woman had died in Park Lane.
‘They attended, along with the ambulance service. Sadly, a 25-year-old woman was pronounced dead. Her next of kin have been informed.
‘A 32-year-old man from Thatcham has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is in police custody.’
Senior investigating officer, Detective Superintendent Ian Hunter said: ‘We are in the early stages of our investigation into this incident.
‘A scenewatch is in place, and officers will be in the area today while our enquiries continue.
‘I understand that this incident will cause concern in the community, but I would like to reassure people that we are carrying out a thorough investigation and that we have made an arrest in connection with it.
‘Members of the public should feel free to approach officers if they have any concerns.’
Flowers, understood to have been left by Ms Bowater’s family, have been placed at the scene
Friends said Ms Bowater had three children and worked at a local pub, which is shut today
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