Man charged with murder in connection with disappearance of Dudley woman missing since 1998

A man has been charged with the murder of a Dudley woman who was last seen almost 30 years ago.

Trevor Dunkley, 66, of Himley Road, Dudley, has been charged in connection with the death of Patricia Lashley, who was known locally as Pat or Jade. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Monday, July 13.

Patricia, a mother of seven, disappeared after she was last seen near her home in Hall Street, Dudley, in September 1998. Detectives say they continue to support her family as the investigation progresses.

Police are renewing their appeal for information about Patricia's life in the years leading up to her disappearance. She was known to have links to London, Newcastle, Wales and Scotland, and also used the names Jade, Vanessa and Tricia, as well as the surname Bradford.

Officers believe Patricia moved to Dudley in the mid-1990s and regularly visited the No Limits club and other pubs in the town. It is understood she and Trevor Dunkley knew one another.

Detective Inspector Michelle Cordell said: "We want to hear from anyone who may have known or remembers meeting Patricia, or Trevor Dunkley.

"We know she was fairly well known in both Dudley town centre and Oldbury.

"If anyone remembers anything or thinks they have any information which could help with our enquiries, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

"Even if you already spoke to us at the time Patricia went missing, we still want to hear from you as we gather as much information as we can to help her family find some closure after nearly 30 years."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling 101, quoting log 3984 of July 7.