A barrister for Robert Ewing, accused of murdering 15-year-old Paige Chivers, has suggested the teenager may still be alive and living abroad. The defence made the claim during closing speeches at Preston Crown Court, arguing that the 'off the rails' and 'wild' girl had motive and personality to disappear permanently.
Stuart Denney QC told the jury that Paige, who vanished in August 2007, had powerful reasons to leave home and could have successfully started a new life elsewhere. He said: 'If ever there was a girl who had motive and personality to disappear for good, that girl was Paige Chivers.' He added that the evidence was not sufficient to be sure she was dead.
Prosecutors maintain that Paige is dead, despite her body never being found. They point to a proof of life inquiry that found no evidence she was alive, and the fact that she did not claim a significant inheritance left to her after her mother's death. However, the defence noted that four independent witnesses, including her brother, reported seeing Paige locally in the weeks after her disappearance.
Ewing, 60, formerly of Bispham, Blackpool, denies murder and perverting the course of justice. Co-defendant Gareth Dewhurst, 46, denies perverting the course of justice, sexual penetration of a corpse, and assisting an offender. The trial continues.
