An undated photo released by police of Christopher Foster, his wife Jill and their 15-year-old daughter Kirstie. Police continue to investigate what happened at the family home where the three died.
An undated photo released by police of Christopher Foster, his wife Jill and their 15-year-old daughter Kirstie. Police continue to investigate what happened at the family home where the three died.
An undated photo released by police of Christopher Foster, his wife Jill and their 15-year-old daughter Kirstie. Police continue to investigate what happened at the family home where the three died.
An undated photo released by police of Christopher Foster, his wife Jill and their 15-year-old daughter Kirstie. Police continue to investigate what happened at the family home where the three died.

Hunt for clues in murder mansion


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LONDON // Detectives were yesterday beginning to piece together the tragic story of a businessman who may have killed his wife, daughter and then himself after losing millions in the oil industry. The slowly unfolding tale behind the deaths of Christopher Foster and his family has both engrossed and appalled Britain since the £1.2 million (Dh7.9m) country mansion where they lived in Shropshire, close to England's border with Wales, was discovered ablaze in the early hours of Tuesday last week. By yesterday, the third of three bodies - that of Foster's 15-year-old daughter, Kirstie - had finally been retrieved from the charred ruins of the home and was undergoing a postmortem.

It had already been established that the first body found at the weekend was that of Foster's wife, Jill, 49. She died in the couple's bedroom after being shot in the back of the head with a .22 rifle. Foster's body and the weapon were found close by. Police yesterday refused to comment on reports that footage from the mansion's CCTV system showed Foster running from the stable block to the house carrying a rifle. The stables were also destroyed by fire after Kirstie's three horses had been shot dead. Detectives believe that Kirstie and her mother were already dead by that time along with the family's four dogs. They had also been shot. Terence Baines, a former director of Foster's company, Ulva Ltd, which supplied insulating material to the oil industry before collapsing with debts of more than £1.8m, said the millionaire may have "flipped because the pressure of it was too much for him".

As a result of his business and personal tax debts, Foster was on the verge of losing the home he had bought four years ago and lavished money on. The property had been renovated and a lake built in the grounds. It appears it was only a matter of time before creditors would force the sale of Osbaston House, just outside the village of Maesbrook, the family's luxury cars and virtually everything else the 50-year-old, one-time millionaire had spent a lifetime acquiring. However, only a few hours before fire gutted Osbaston House, Foster had shown little sign of the stress he may have been under. He, his wife and daughter had been at a barbecue on the Monday evening at a neighbour's home. "By all accounts, all of them seemed relaxed and happy at the barbecue," said a police source yesterday. "They talked about Kirstie returning to her private school and, though Mr Foster moaned a bit about the economic situation, there was absolutely nothing to indicate that he was under any great stress." But there had been considerable pressure in Foster's life in recent years. In 2006, two men were accused of blackmailing him but cleared after a trial at Shrewsbury Crown Court. A year ago Ulva was put in the hands of administrators and later went into liquidation. At a subsequent court case, Foster was accused of stripping the firm of its assets and transferring them to a new company he had set up, called Ulva International. In May, at a hearing in the Court of Appeal in London, Lord Justice Rimer described Foster as a man "not to be trusted". He said,"The administrators were attempting to negotiate with someone - Mr Foster - whom they knew to be bereft of the basic instincts of commercial morality." Around Maesbrook, however, Foster was well liked. He took up country sports, including fishing and hunting, was a regular at a local pub and was frequently seen driving along country lanes in a Ferrari, an Aston Martin or one of two Porsches. "Certainly, from all accounts, Mr Foster seemed a dedicated husband and a devoted father," the police source said. Forensic scientists have yet to formally identify the charred, adult male body found in the ruins of Osbaston House. "Obviously, we will want to know if there drugs or excessive alcohol in the body," the police source said. What is known is that, when the family returned from the barbecue, Kirstie was online, chatting to pals, until about 1am on Tuesday. The blackened remains of her computer have been recovered and were being examined by forensic scientists yesterday. At about 3am, fires started, first in the stables and then the house. Neighbours alerted the fire brigade at about 4am when the petrol tank in one of the family cars exploded. By the time firemen arrived, the mansion and the stable block were burning fiercely. The eventual damage was so extensive that police were unable to enter the ruins until Friday. Det Supt Jon Groves, who is leading the investigation, said: "Although this is now being treated as a murder, we are keeping an open mind as to the circumstances leading up to the incident." He said it could take weeks before the true circumstances were established. "It is hard to grasp what has happened," said the Rev David Austerberry, the vicar at St John's Church in Maesbrook. "It will be some time before everything is revealed and clear. When we know what has happened perhaps there may be something more specific we can do. But at the moment all we can do is offer our prayers." dsapsted@thenational.ae

Poland Statement
All people fleeing from Ukraine before the armed conflict are allowed to enter Poland. Our country shelters every person whose life is in danger - regardless of their nationality.

The dominant group of refugees in Poland are citizens of Ukraine, but among the people checked by the Border Guard are also citizens of the USA, Nigeria, India, Georgia and other countries.

All persons admitted to Poland are verified by the Border Guard. In relation to those who are in doubt, e.g. do not have documents, Border Guard officers apply appropriate checking procedures.

No person who has received refuge in Poland will be sent back to a country torn by war.

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Fighter profiles

Gabrieli Pessanha (Brazil)

Reigning Abu Dhabi World Pro champion in the 95kg division, virtually unbeatable in her weight class. Known for her pressure game but also dangerous with her back on the mat.

Nathiely de Jesus, 23, (Brazil)

Two-time World Pro champion renowned for her aggressive game. She is tall and most feared by her opponents for both her triangles and arm-bar attacks.

Thamara Ferreira, 24, (Brazil)

Since her brown belt days, Ferreira has been dominating the 70kg, in both the World Pro and the Grand Slams. With a very aggressive game.

Samantha Cook, 32, (Britain)

One of the biggest talents coming out of Europe in recent times. She is known for a highly technical game and bringing her A game to the table as always.

Kendall Reusing, 22, (USA)

Another young gun ready to explode in the big leagues. The Californian resident is a powerhouse in the -95kg division. Her duels with Pessanha have been highlights in the Grand Slams.

Martina Gramenius, 32, (Sweden)

Already a two-time Grand Slam champion in the current season. Gramenius won golds in the 70kg, in both in Moscow and Tokyo, to earn a spot in the inaugural Queen of Mats.

 

Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
  • George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
  • Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
  • Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
FIGHT CARD

Welterweight Mostafa Radi (PAL) v Tohir Zhuraev (TJK)

Catchweight 75kg Leandro Martins (BRA) v Anas Siraj Mounir (MAR)

Flyweight Corinne Laframboise (CAN) v Manon Fiorot (FRA)

Featherweight Ahmed Al Darmaki (UAE) v Bogdan Kirilenko (UZB)

Lightweight Izzedine Al Derabani (JOR) v Atabek Abdimitalipov (KYG)

Featherweight Yousef Al Housani (UAE) v Mohamed Arsharq Ali (SLA)

Catchweight 69kg Jung Han-gook (KOR) v Elias Boudegzdame (ALG)

Catchweight 71kg Usman Nurmagomedov (RUS) v Jerry Kvarnstrom (FIN)

Featherweight title Lee Do-gyeom (KOR) v Alexandru Chitoran (ROU)

Lightweight title Bruno Machado (BRA) v Mike Santiago (USA)

The Bio

Name: Lynn Davison

Profession: History teacher at Al Yasmina Academy, Abu Dhabi

Children: She has one son, Casey, 28

Hometown: Pontefract, West Yorkshire in the UK

Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Favourite Author: CJ Sansom

Favourite holiday destination: Bali

Favourite food: A Sunday roast

While you're here
The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol

Power: 154bhp

Torque: 250Nm

Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option 

Price: From Dh79,600

On sale: Now

The specs

Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8

Power: 712hp at 6,100rpm

Torque: 881Nm at 4,800rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 19.6 l/100km

Price: Dh380,000

On sale: now 

RESULT

Argentina 0 Croatia 3
Croatia: 
Rebic (53'), Modric (80'), Rakitic (90' 1)

How to register as a donor

1) Organ donors can register on the Hayat app, run by the Ministry of Health and Prevention

2) There are about 11,000 patients in the country in need of organ transplants

3) People must be over 21. Emiratis and residents can register. 

4) The campaign uses the hashtag  #donate_hope

The%20trailblazers
%3Cp%3ESixteen%20boys%20and%2015%20girls%20have%20gone%20on%20from%20Go-Pro%20Academy%20in%20Dubai%20to%20either%20professional%20contracts%20abroad%20or%20scholarships%20in%20the%20United%20States.%20Here%20are%20two%20of%20the%20most%20prominent.%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EGeorgia%20Gibson%20(Newcastle%20United)%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EThe%20reason%20the%20academy%20in%20Dubai%20first%20set%20up%20a%20girls%E2%80%99%20programme%20was%20to%20help%20Gibson%20reach%20her%20potential.%20Now%20she%20plays%20professionally%20for%20Newcastle%20United%20in%20the%20UK.%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMackenzie%20Hunt%20(Everton)%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EAttended%20DESS%20in%20Dubai%2C%20before%20heading%20to%20the%20UK%20to%20join%20Everton%20full%20time%20as%20a%20teenager.%20He%20was%20on%20the%20bench%20for%20the%20first%20team%20as%20recently%20as%20their%20fixture%20against%20Brighton%20on%20February%2024.%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Emergency

Director: Kangana Ranaut

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry 

Rating: 2/5

ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Rio de Janeiro from Dh7,000 return including taxes. Avianca fliles from Rio to Cusco via Lima from $399 (Dhxx) return including taxes. 

The trip

From US$1,830 per deluxe cabin, twin share, for the one-night Spirit of the Water itinerary and US$4,630 per deluxe cabin for the Peruvian Highlands itinerary, inclusive of meals, and beverages. Surcharges apply for some excursions.

if you go

The flights Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, Emirates, Etihad, and Royal Jordanian all offer direct, three-and-a-half-hour flights from the UAE to the Jordanian capital Amman. Alternatively, from June Fly Dubai will offer a new direct service from Dubai to Aqaba in the south of the country. See the airlines’ respective sites for varying prices or search on reliable price-comparison site Skyscanner.

The trip 

Jamie Lafferty was a guest of the Jordan Tourist Board. For more information on adventure tourism in Jordan see Visit Jordan. A number of new and established tour companies offer the chance to go caving, rock-climbing, canyoning, and mountaineering in Jordan. Prices vary depending on how many activities you want to do and how many days you plan to stay in the country. Among the leaders are Terhaal, who offer a two-day canyoning trip from Dh845 per person. If you really want to push your limits, contact the Stronger Team. For a more trek-focused trip, KE Adventure offers an eight-day trip from Dh5,300 per person.

CONFIRMED%20LINE-UP
%3Cp%3EElena%20Rybakina%20(Kazakhstan)%0D%3Cbr%3EOns%20Jabeur%20(Tunisia)%0D%3Cbr%3EMaria%20Sakkari%20(Greece)%0D%3Cbr%3EBarbora%20Krej%C4%8D%C3%ADkov%C3%A1%20(Czech%20Republic)%0D%3Cbr%3EBeatriz%20Haddad%20Maia%20(Brazil)%0D%3Cbr%3EJe%C4%BCena%20Ostapenko%20(Latvia)%0D%3Cbr%3ELiudmila%20Samsonova%0D%3Cbr%3EDaria%20Kasatkina%E2%80%AF%0D%3Cbr%3EVeronika%20Kudermetova%E2%80%AF%0D%3Cbr%3ECaroline%20Garcia%20(France)%E2%80%AF%0D%3Cbr%3EMagda%20Linette%20(Poland)%E2%80%AF%0D%3Cbr%3ESorana%20C%C3%AErstea%20(Romania)%E2%80%AF%0D%3Cbr%3EAnastasia%20Potapova%E2%80%AF%0D%3Cbr%3EAnhelina%20Kalinina%20(Ukraine)%E2%80%AF%E2%80%AF%0D%3Cbr%3EJasmine%20Paolini%20(Italy)%E2%80%AF%0D%3Cbr%3EEmma%20Navarro%20(USA)%E2%80%AF%0D%3Cbr%3ELesia%20Tsurenko%20(Ukraine)%0D%3Cbr%3ENaomi%20Osaka%20(Japan)%20-%20wildcard%0D%3Cbr%3EEmma%20Raducanu%20(Great%20Britain)%20-%20wildcard%3Cbr%3EAlexandra%20Eala%20(Philippines)%20-%20wildcard%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law