UK News 31-08-2001 Killer Constable Had History Of Violence who: Kent policeman PC Karl Bluestone what: Was arrested twice for domestic violence before murder-suicide, police reveal where: GRAVESEND when: Yesterday snippet: "Bloodbath bobby Karl Bluestone was a monster who often beat his wife and once tried to strangle her," says The Sun lasciviously as crime reporter Mike Sullivan reveals that the Kent PC, who committed suicide on Tuesday after murdering his wife and two of their four children, had a history of domestic violence and infidelities. The couple, who lived in Gravesend, had "a tempestuous relationship," says The Independent. The 36-year-old constable "had a number of affairs including one with a civilian police worker" and Mrs Bluestone was apparently having an affair with a colleague at Basildon District Council in Essex, where she worked as an accountant. Police were first called out in 1994, when Mrs Bluestone accused her husband of assault. She later declined to press charges but, says The Mirror, "neighbours heard many rows over the following years and "police were again called to the three-bedroom semi after Bluestone began hurling crockery at his wife" on June 25, 1999. "There are serious questions to be answered by Kent police," concludes The Sun, suggesting that the killer got special treatment because he was a policeman. "Someone in Kent should have seen this tragedy coming." [... more]

What The Papers Say is delivered to thousands of readers every morning by web, WAP and email. Sign up today!