The Northern Scot's Arlene Fraser and Nat Fraser files: 2012 – Grampian Police search continued until last year
This story appeared in the Northern Scot, May 25, 2012.
THE trial heard that police attempts to find any trace of Arlene Fraser continued until June last year.
The search even included Internet social networking sites.
Det Sgt Gordon Chalmers (43) told how officers had checked friends, businesses, medical records and government agencies without success.
Possible sightings had all been thoroughly investigated, the trial heard.
Police spent hours combing outhouses and other buildings in the Elgin area, and asked farmers to check their land for signs of disturbance.
“There is no evidence of her having left home and commencing a new life elsewhere,” concluded the police report.
Nat Fraser denies murdering his estranged wife, Arlene, on or about the day when she vanished from her Elgin home in April, 1998.
He says he was making deliveries that day, pausing to phone Mrs Hazel Walker (43) in Fochabers.
Defence QC John Scott questioned former Det Sgt William Robertson (58), whose 32 years of police service had included being been part of the Arlene Fraser investigation, about Fraser’s claim.
“That alibi was tested and checked as thoroughly as any other alibi you have ever heard of,” asked the lawyer, “and it stood up?” “Yes,” said Mr Robertson.
