A prison inmate has been charged with perverting the course of justice in relation to the murder of Portslade man Gary Hampson.
The charge was brought this afternoon (Thursday 9 February) against Alan Topping, 48, of Lewes Prison, where he is serving a sentence for unrelated matters.
Sussex Police said that he was due to appear at Brighton Magistrates’ Court a week tomorrow (Friday 17 February).
Mr Hampson, 43, of Old Shoreham Road, Portslade, was reported missing in January last year after failing to contact his 10-year-old daughter despite having been in regular contact with her.
Detectives began a murder investigation after finding a significant amount of Mr Hampson’s blood at the garage that he managed in Little Western Street, Hove.
His body has still not been found.
Detective Inspector Phil Mays said: “This has been a long and complex investigation.
“We are determined to unravel the full circumstances of Gary’s murder and this latest charge sends a clear message that we will leave no stone unturned.
“If you know something about the death but are still holding back, please do call us on 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
“And, if you have been attempting to frustrate our efforts to bring Gary’s family closure, be warned that we have now charged four people on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.”
Topping is the most recent person to be charged. The other three are
Daniel Alexander, 61, a homeless former mechanic from Brighton, who has been charged with murder and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice
Roy Bartup, 57, of Natal Road, Brighton, who has been charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice
Linda Rosenberg, 67, of Montpelier Road, Brighton, who has been charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice
All three remain in custody awaiting trial. The case is due to open at Lewes Crown Court on Monday 5 March.
