Man Extradited After Girlfriend's Death

17 September 2010, 15:37 | Updated: 17 September 2010, 17:11

An Ipswich man's been handed over to Spanish police after the death of his girlfriend in Gran Canaria.

23-year-old Sarah Shields from Ipswich had been on holiday on the island over the summer. Her body was discovered there in July.

36-year-old Christopher Chittock from Alnesbourn Crescent in Ipswich flew to Spain from Heathrow yesterday.

He had been arrested on suspicion of murder on Tuesday 13th of July and was due to answer bail this week but that was cancelled due to the extradition order.

He had previsouly been charged with perverting the course of justice on Thursday 15th July but the case was discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service to allow the extradition.

At the time of Miss Shield's death her family issued the following tribute, led by her mother Angela:

"Sarah was the youngest of my four children.  She was always a happy smiling child.  It was like she was born to smile."

"From a young age to leaving school, Sarah enjoyed going to dancing classes with her niece who is just 17 months younger.  From there on Sarah would try anything from auditioning for the X-Factor to Big Brother."

"Sarah loved animals and last year bought a Chihuahua cross puppy she named Bruiser.  When Sarah moved home in April she didn’t think it fair on him being in a flat so he stayed with me and my other animals, but Sarah would always come round when she finished work to spend time with Bruiser and walk him.  Bruiser would sit on the back of the sofa waiting for Sarah’s car to pull up outside.  He still sits there now looking out of the window, we’re sure he’s looking for Sarah."

"Sarah had such flair for life, she loved clothes, and always dressed so lovely both when dressed casually or for a night out."

"We as a family wish to thank everyone for their kind messages and words of comfort.  To Suffolk Police for their brilliant work and amazing support and to the local media for the sympathetic way in which this tragic event has been reported and for allowing my family space to grieve."

"We know life will never be the same without Sarah’s beautiful smiling face and zest for life.  She is so dreadfully missed by me, her dad, sister, brothers, nieces and nephews."