AN UNEMPLOYED man has been charged with the murder of a 56-year-old former Kent man who disappeared after travelling to Spain in a motor home.

Francis Ottley lived in Dover until 2003 when he went to Spain. He travelled around the country and was known by expatriots in the La Linea area.

Stuart Martin, 29, of Bramble Way, Hollingbury, Brighton, has now been charged with his murder. He is due before Folkestone magistrates today.

Friends of Mr Ottley became worried about him after receiving a letter from an expatriot living in La Linea in April 2005. The letter expressed concerns that Mr Ottley had not been seen or heard from since February of that year.

Kent Police was alerted and after an investigation into his disappearance in this country and abroad, the conclusion was reached that he had been murdered.

DCI Dean Barnes, said: "While the body of Mr Ottley has not been found, we believe that he is no longer alive.

"Unlike UK law, there is no precedent in Spain for prosecuting a murder where the body has yet to be found. Kent Police is able to prosecute the murder of a British citizen by a British citizen under the authority of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861."

Kent Police is appealing for anyone living in the UK who has information relating to the disappearance and murder of Mr Ottley to contact them.

In particular, police are keen to trace 31-year-old Lorna Montgomery Macdonald. Lorna is believed to be living in Spain and visits Malaga regularly.

Spanish residents are asked to call 0044 1303 289605 which will give instructions in English and Spanish.