Man Charged Over Girl's 1984 Murder

Man Charged Over Girl's 1984 Murder

A 63-year-old man has been charged with the historic murder of teenager Melanie Road who was stabbed to death more than 30 years ago.

Christopher John Hampton, of Fishponds, Bristol, has been remanded in custody to appear at Bath Magistrates' Court on Monday, Avon and Somerset Police said.

Melanie, 17, was sexually assaulted and stabbed multiple times in her chest and back during the early hours of June 9 in 1984.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Julie Mackay said: "We've been keeping Melanie's family fully updated on the progress of this investigation and they're aware of this latest development."

Last year, detectives began DNA testing hundreds of men who had been in the city at the time of Melanie's death.

Melanie was attacked while walking the 15 to 20 minute journey home following a night out with friends in Bath.

Her body was discovered at 5.30am by a milkman and his 10-year-old son, close to a block of garages in St Stephens Court, Lansdown, a short distance from her home.

The teenager had been out for the evening with her boyfriend and other friends to the Beau Nash, a nightclub in Kingston Parade, a road which is now part of the new Southgate development.

Melanie left the club at 1.30am and was last seen alive by her friends a short time later in Broad Street.

Last year, Melanie's mother Jean, sister Karen and best friend Susie Lecomber spoke about the impact the murder has had on them.

Mrs Road wrote an open letter to coincide with the 30th anniversary of her daughter's death, appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

The 80-year-old wrote: "We mourn for our daughter and sister Melanie every minute, hour of the day and night."

Melanie's sister, Karen Road, added: "As much as this was 30 years ago, for me, it's every day and it never gets easier, and I can't move on.

"The pain remains as strong today as it did when Melanie died."

Melanie's best friend, Susie Lecomber, now a mother-of-two who works as an osteopath, said: "I would desperately like to be able to stop thinking about her death and think more about when she was alive and friendship we had."

Close

What's Hot