Statement From Hammond Family

The immediate family of Maureen Hammond welcomes the advice they received from Detective Inspector Stu Wildon in a recent meeting at the family home in Masterton, that the Police have found no foul play, and that there is no basis for any charges to be laid, in respect of Maureen's death on 25 September.

The whole thing has been a dreadful ordeal for Peter Hammond and his family. Not only have we had to cope with Maureen's tragic death, but we have endured over the last two months a very public Police investigation. There have been wild and irresponsible rumours out in the community, which have been hurtful. However we would like to acknowledge the support and assistance we have received from our true friends.

The family has been certain all along that nobody was involved in Maureen's death. The Police inquiry has not told us anything we did not already know. We feel disappointed that the investigation has been made so big, involved so many people, and has taken so long. All family members have given the Police their full co-operation at all times, but we believed from the beginning that such a large and high-profile inquiry was not warranted or appropriate, and it is very sad for Maureen that it was turned into one.

The way that information was released to and reported by the media has been unfortunate, and this has led to unfounded speculation and rumours. For example the information about bruising has been taken out of context. In fact the bruising was superficial, it has been explained, and was not related to how Maureen died.

We now wish to put this ordeal behind us. Any further rumours will be treated with the contempt they deserve. We would like to get on with remembering our much loved wife and mother.

THIS STATEMENT IS ISSUED BY MRS HAMMOND'S IMMEDIATE FAMILY

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