Police officer gives evidence at trial of man accused of murdering partner in 'fit of rage'
A jury's heard how a police officer went to the home of a man accused of murdering his partner, following a report that she was "missing."
Paul Hemming is on trial for killing his partner Natalie at their home in Milton Keynes late at night on 1 May.
The prosecution claim he attacked her because he learned she had started a new relationship with a colleague and planned to leave him.
Natalie's mother reported her missing on 3 May after she grew concerned that her daughter wasn't getting in contact with her.
Today, PC Nazia Hussain told Luton Crown Court how she went to the family home that afternoon to talk to Hemming.
PC Hussain said Hemming told her he'd been trying to text Natalie, but she hadn't responded and her phone was switched off.
The officer said Hemming told her he understood Natalie had been out with colleagues on the evening of Saturday 30 April.
She said he then claimed Natalie came home on Sunday and told him she had been raped by a male colleague.
Hemming claimed Natalie wasn't reporting it because she thought the rape conviction rate was not high and she felt "was partly responsible" for encouraging his flirting, PC Hussain said.
PC Hussain said before leaving the house, Hemming asked her "from your experience what are the chances of finding someone?"
Hemming has pleaded guilty to Natalie's manslaughter, but not guilty to her murder.
He has also pleaded guilty to a further charge of preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body and a charge of obstructing a coroner in the execution of his duty by "concealing" Natalie's body in woodland in Hertfordshire.
The trial continues.