Murder Suspect Hid Wife’s Body But Didn’t Destroy Notes, Prosecution Says

After allegedly murdering his wife, a wealthy British businessman successfully disposed of her body, prosecutors contend.

But Martin Hale reportedly didn't complete another relatively easy task, providing another basis for the government eventually to charge him with murder in his wife's 1999 disappearance despite the difficulty of having no body. In notes and lists, the government alleges, he detailed his efforts to dispose of Maureen Hale, who was then 42, reports the London Times.

"One note, found in his briefcase, read: '1. at sea 2. by fire 3. by acid 4. land site,' " the newspaper recounts. Hale also allegedly visited a friend's pet cemetery, a month after his wife's disappearance, and inquired about paying 20,000 pounds to rent a crematorium oven.

Hale, 51, denies that he murdered his wife. His jury trial continues in Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.