Two Men Charged With Christchurch Murder

18 December 2013, 15:24

Two men have been charged with the murder of a man in Christchurch, seven months after he was found dead.

Today, Wednesday 18 December 2013, a 50-year-old Bournemouth man and a 51-year-old man of no fixed abode have been charged with the murder of 30-year-old Rico Dardis.

Mr Dardis was found dead near groynes at Seaway Avenue in the area of Friars Cliff at around 9.10pm on Monday 27 May 2013. The cause of his death has been given as drowning by the Coroner's Court in Bournemouth.

Dorset Police had been first alerted to the incident by two members of the public who raised the alarm after witnessing two men acting suspiciously onboard a boat.

These two men were stopped in a vehicle a short time later and detained.

Detective Inspector Marcus Hester, of The Major Crime Investigation Team, said:

"Following an extensive and thorough investigation by the Major Crime Investigation Team we have now charged two men.

"They will remain in custody for their appearance at Bournemouth Magistrate's Court tomorrow, Thursday 19 December 2013.

"It is important to stress - as is typical in such circumstances - that it would be entirely inappropriate for Dorset Police to comment further ahead of the trial. It is vital that the justice system is allowed to follow its course."

51-year-old Paul Mark Gerlach of no fixed abode and 50-year-old Louis Burzoni have been charged with murder and are due to appear at Bournemouth Magistrate's Court tomorrow, Thursday 19 December 2013.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 27:447. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.