04 November 2023 , 17:17
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A British husband who was arrested in the UK following the death of his wife in Italy is facing extradition proceedings for her murder.
A friend of Michele Faiers, 66, found her lying in a pool of blood inside her home in Verratti village near Casoli, a town in eastern Italy, on Wednesday morning. Italian police were looking for Michele's partner, Michael Whitbread, a retired IT consultant originally from Torquay, after he allegedly left the property in the couple's white Jeep Compass before police could question him.
The 74-year-old suspect was arrested in Shepshed, Leicestershire, on Wednesday earlier this week - but has not been charged with an offence, according to Leicestershire Police. This morning he appeared Westminster Magistrates' Court for extradition proceedings over the murder of a 66-year-old woman in Italy.
Michele, pictured with her partner, was found dead in ItalyThe retired diving instructor and shop owner was asked if he consented to be extradited to Italy, where he now lives, and from the dock he said: "no". Darren Watts, for the Italian legal authorities, told the court: "This is a murder of the requested person's partner."
He said Whitbread had driven from Italy to the UK. "He arrived in the UK on Wednesday and was arrested," he said. He drove from Italy across the Swiss border and then through France and onto England before he was arrested, according to the arrest warrant seen by the MailOnline.
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But the court was told that Whitbread had close family connections in the UK and was simply visiting relatives. They claimed he had a return ticket. During the hearing, District judge John Zani said "this is an accusation" and was clear that Whitbread has not been convicted of anything. He told Whitbread: "The Italian authorities wish you to return to face trial there because it is a very serious allegation. In the event you are convicted, a very lengthy sentence of imprisonment would almost be inevitable."
The judge added: "You live in Italy and say that you were visiting family. I cannot ignore the fact that your visit here happened soon after the allegation of murder happened but a few days ago."
Whitbread was ordered to next appear at a preliminary hearing at the same court on November 9. The judge said the court is "working towards a full hearing" at the same venue on February 26, 2024.
A neighbour said the couple were "quite private"A force spokesman previously said: "A 74-year-old man arrested in connection with the murder of Michele Faiers in Italy is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court tomorrow. The man, who was arrested in Shepshed on Wednesday night, has not been charged with a criminal offence. The hearing is listed as part of the extradition process. Detectives from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) major crime team are continuing to liaise with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the extradition team in the CPS's Serious Economic and Organised Crime and International Directorate and Italian authorities regarding the incident."
Detective Inspector David Greenhalgh, from EMSOU, said: “We are continuing to work with authorities both in the United Kingdom and Italy regarding this incident. Ms Faiers’ family have asked for privacy at this time and I would ask that this is respected.”
According to MailOnline, the mother-of-two was found on the floor next to her bed, dressed in her underwear and covered in a white sheet with just her feet poking out. As recently as ten days ago, Michele was enjoying sunsets from the terrace of her home in Italy, and sharing them on social media. On one photo, she captioned the views as "another beautiful evening."
A neighbour told the Mail: "They were quite private and didn't really interact with the community as they couldn't speak much Italian but they would always smile and say hello. They had three dogs and the last time I saw them a week ago they were in the garden in front of their house but there was nothing untoward."
The Foreign Office confirmed they were supporting the family of a British woman who had died in Italy, and that they were in touch with local authorities.