A woman allegedly murdered by her policeman lover has been pictured for the first time since her death.
Claire Parry, 41, was on Saturday found injured in a pub car park in West Parley, Dorset, where she was allegedly strangled by constable Timothy Brehmer.
She was rushed to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital but died yesterday from a brain injury caused by compression of the neck.
Brehmer, 41, who is married, suffered self-inflicted injuries at the scene and was also taken to hospital before being released and charged with murdering the mother-of-two.
Today he wore a grey sweatshirt and showed little emotion as he appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court from Weymouth police station via a video link.
He confirmed his address as Woodcock Lane, Hordle, Hants, and his date of birth.
Pictured: Claire Parry, 41, was found injured in a pub car park in West Parley, Dorset, where she was supposedly strangled her policeman lover – she later died of a brain injury
Timothy Brehmer (pictured with his wife) has been accused of murdering Claire Parry after she was strangled
Officers swooped on the shuttered Horns Inn in on Saturday after an ambulance called for assistance
Richard Oakley, prosecuting, said: ‘This is an incident that occurred in the car park of a public house where it is alleged the defendant murdered the victim Claire Parry, a lady with whom he was having an extra marital affair with for 10 years.
‘The application is for him to be remanded in custody as he has been charged with a serious offence.’
Ian Wilson, defending, did not contest the application.
District Judge Stephen Nicholls remanded the officer in custody and told him he will appear at Winchester Crown Court tomorrow.
Officers swooped on the shuttered Horns Inn in on Saturday after an ambulance called for assistance.
The father-of-one was taken to Poole Hospital and arrested for murder following Ms Parry’s death. He had initially been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Brehmer served with Dorset Police force and was given an award after he and a colleague rescued a family from a blazing house in Christchurch back in 2011.
The duo broke down the front door and rushed into the smoking building, even managing to save the family’s three cats.
An ex-colleague said: ‘Tim is a very easy-going guy — he and Martha are a lovely couple. This has shocked people.’
Nurse Ms Parry (right) was married to another officer but was also Brehmer’s lover (Brehmer pictured left)
The woman was found unconscious in the pub’s car park on Saturday afternoon
Dorset police closed the car park over the weekend as they combed for clues. Neighbours said a white forensic tent was also erected.
Footage from a CCTV camera above the car park has been handed over to police, said Stonegate Pub Company which owns the venue.
Officers are also appealing for motorists who drove along the B3073 that runs past the Horns Inn at the time to come forward with any dashcam footage.
Residents said they heard a ‘commotion’ coming from outside the pub at about 3.30pm on Saturday, shortly before the ambulances arrived.
One resident, aged in his 70s, said he heard noise coming from the area but initially thought it was a baby crying.
Officers swooped on the shuttered Horns Inn (pictured) in West Parley, Dorset, on Saturday after an ambulance called for assistance
The man, who did not wish to be named, said: ‘My wife and I were sat out in our garden and heard what sounded like a baby crying which we thought was unusual for this area but didn’t really give it much thought.
‘It was only when we heard the sirens and saw what had happened that we put two and two together and realised it could have been some sort of commotion in the pub car park.
‘I’ve never seen police like it around here before. There were sirens coming from every direction and loads of ambulances too.
‘They closed the whole road off and had a car parked in the pub right through until Sunday evening. It’s really sad what’s happened and nothing like this has ever happened here before.’
A spokesperson for the Horns Inn said: ‘The pub is currently closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
‘We have been made aware of an incident that took place in the car park and have handed over CCTV to assist the police with their investigation.’
West Parley is a small village three miles north west of Bournemouth. It is split by the busy B3073 that links Wimborne and Bournemouth Airport.
The Horns is a gastro pub that is popular with families because of its outdoor play area. The pub is close to the £1,295 a year private Dudsbury Golf Club.
Assistant Chief Constable of Dorset Police Mark Callaghan said: ‘Detectives from our Major Crime Investigation Team are leading the investigation into this incident.
‘We have kept the family of Mrs Parry updated throughout the investigation and family liaison officers continue to support them. Our thoughts remain with her family and friends at this very difficult time.
‘Following enquiries into this incident, we have consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service, which has authorised a charge of murder.
‘It is important to stress that it would be entirely inappropriate for Dorset Police to comment any further ahead of the court process. It is vital that the justice system is allowed to follow its course.
‘I would also like to remind the public that this matter is now the subject of active court proceedings and the individual charged in connection with this investigation has a right to a fair trial. It is important that there should be no commentary or sharing of information online or on social media that could potentially prejudice these proceedings.’