Flint Man Charged With Historic Murder
A 57 year old man has this afternoon been charged with the murder and rape of Janet Commins in 1976. He is also charged with two further sexual offences relating to a separate and unconnected enquiry following allegations earlier this year.
Stephen Anthony Hough from Flint is charged with the murder of the 15 year old school girl on January 7th 1976 and is due to appear before Llandudno magistrates on Wednesday 7th September.
On January 7th 1976 Janet Commins was murdered in Flint. A man has previously been imprisoned for manslaughter after admitting responsibility for her death.
Senior Investigating Officer Det Supt Iestyn Davies of North Wales Police said;
“There have been significant developments to assist police investigations of this nature in the past 40 years and significant changes in the way we approach murder investigations.
“This man has not previously been arrested in connection with the 1976 investigation.
“A dedicated team of officers have been working on this investigation and as a result further evidence has come to light which has caused us to review all the circumstances surrounding the initial investigation. Consequently a referral has been made to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.”
“Janet’s family is being supported by specialist officers.”
Eileen Commins, Janet’s sole surviving parent has issued a statement to say;
“I have been aware since May of this year that North Wales Police have been reinvestigating the murder of my daughter in 1976. I have today been informed that a local man who had not previously been suspected has been charged with her murder and rape.
“This has come as a great shock to me and my family and I would ask at this time that the our privacy as a family be respected and no further statement will be forthcoming at this stage.”
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