Man charged over murder of his Irish wife in Netherlands

A Dutch man who police believe killed his Irish wife in the Netherlands has been charged with first degree murder.

Martina O Brien-Viguurs (64) was found dead at the couple’s home in the city of Den Bosch, about 90km south of Amsterdam, on November 9th. Prosecutors say she died as a result of being bludgeoned, strangled or a combination of both.

Arnold (Arno) Viguurs (62), who worked in real estate, has been held in a prison in the province of Brabant since being formally charged with his wife’s murder. Police arrested him at the scene after the body of Ms O’Brien-Viguurs was discovered in the house by a relative.

He is to appear again in court within 90 days, a spokeswoman for the public prosecutor confirmed.

“The murder charge states that he intentionally took Martina’s life and she died from blows to the head with a blunt instrument or by strangulation or a combination of both,” Eliane Mastwijk of the public prosecutor’s office said.

Mrs O’Brien-Viguurs lived in Cork city for many years but is a native of Rathkeale in Limerick.

The mother-of-eight, who worked as an air hostess and nurse during her life, was planning to return to Ireland in time for Christmas. The couple had recently sold their home and were preparing to move to Ireland.

She is survived by her daughters Tammy, Dawn, Jane, Deirdre, Martina and Aisling and her sons Seán and Seamus as well as 11 grandchildren.

Mrs O’Brien-Viguurs was buried in Rathkeale earlier this month.