Man remanded on millionairess wife murder charge

A man appeared in court today charged with murdering his millionairess wife.

Robert Brown, 46, is suspected of killing his estranged wife Joanna, whose body has not been found.

He is also charged with preventing a coroner from holding an inquest by disposing of her body in an unknown place.

Dressed in a dark suit and white shirt, he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.

His wife is believed to have died a violent, unnatural or sudden death, Slough Magistrates' Court heard.

Magistrate James Griffiths told Brown he would appear at Reading Crown Court on Monday, when a judge will decide whether he should be granted bail.

He will reappear at the same court on November 15 for a preliminary hearing.

Brown, of North Street, Winkfield, Berkshire, will remain in police custody until Monday.

Police are continuing to search for his wife's body in Windsor Great Park, which is near the sprawling country mansion where she lived.

Mrs Brown, also 46, was reported missing at 8am on Monday after a family member raised the alarm, concerned at not being able to contact her.

Officers from Thames Valley Police forced entry into her home, which was empty at the time, and a subsequent search led them to believe she had been attacked.

The couple's marital home, Tun Cottage, was run as an award-winning bed and breakfast by Mrs Brown after they separated.

The mock-Tudor property, worth in the region of £3 million, is described on its website as a "beautiful English country home" and was awarded a 4* Gold Award by Visit Britain.

Mrs Brown, who had lived there for 12 years, turned it into the guest house two years ago.

She was from a privileged background and was described as fun and outgoing by a close friend.

The pair, who married 11 years ago, were going through divorce proceedings when Mrs Brown went missing.

They had two children, an 11-year-old boy and a nine-year-old girl.

Mrs Brown's family has described her as a "very special person", saying she was "loved and admired by everyone".

In a statement, they said: "This is a very difficult time for our family. We ask that anyone with information about the whereabouts of Joanna contact the police."