Helen Bailey murder: Man charged with killing children’s author

A man has been charged after remains were found in the garden of her home on Friday

Helen Bailey, 51, is believed to have gone missing with her dog, a miniature Dachscund (Hertfordshire Police)

The partner of the children’s author Helen Bailey has been charged with her murder.

Ian Stewart has also been charged with perverting the course of justice for allegedly reporting her as missing to the police and hiding her body and preventing lawful burial.

A statement released by Hertfordshire police on Saturday said: “Following an investigation by officers from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, a man has been charged with murdering 51-year-old author Helen Bailey in Royston on April 11, 2016.

“Ian Stewart, who is 55 years old and from Baldock Road in Royston, was also last night (July 15) charged with two further offences – perverting the course of justice (reporting Helen Bailey as missing to police and hiding her body) and preventing lawful burial.

“A post-mortem is due to take place on Monday July 18 and specialist searches at her home continue.

“Ian Stewart will appear before Hatfield Remand Court today (July 16).

“Helen’s family have asked for privacy at this time.”

Bailey, who is best known for penning the children’s novel series Electra Brown had been missing since April. Her remains were found in the garden of her Royston home on Friday.