Man, 47, charged with the murder of Diana Lee (From Knutsford Guardian)

Man, 47, charged with the murder of Diana Lee

9:38am Wednesday 5th September 2012 in News By David Morgan

A 47-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with the murder of Diana Lee.

David Ryan, of Byrom Street, Hale, was arrested on Friday, three weeks after Mrs Lee’s body was found at her cattery business in Byley Lane, Cranage.

He was questioned by detectives for four days after police were given special permission by district judge Nicholas Sanders to extend his stay in custody.

Mr Ryan appeared at Crewe Magistrates Court today, Wednesday, and was remanded into custody.

He will next appear at Chester Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on September 24.

Police activity at Byrom Street, Hale, at about 6pm on Friday has also been linked to the murder investigation.

Eye-witnesses say they saw officers standing guard at a house while detectives and forensic staff worked.

Mrs Lee, 54, was found dead from head wounds in the garage of her Cranage home just before 11am on August 9 after an arson attack on her property.

Her Vauxhall Corsa was stolen and attempts were made to torch it in Mobberley.

A man was then seen riding off on a women’s bike before fleeing across the fields towards Ashley.

Mrs Lee went for a night out with friends in Knutsford at the Wine Bar and Man Zen restaurant in King Street the evening before her death.

She left the restaurant at about 10.15pm heading north towards Mere and at 11.17pm was making her way back to her home.