Estranged wife held over Ian Botham dognapping

POLICE have arrested and bailed the estranged wife of Sir Ian Botham’s son in connection with an alleged dognapping in North Yorkshire.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Nov 2011, 16:11 BST

Woody, a 15-month-old sprocker spaniel, vanished from an enclosed courtyard next to the ex-cricketer’s farmhouse in Ravensworth, near Richmond, on Sunday afternoon.

The missing dog, which is a springer spaniel/cocker spaniel cross, has a chocolate brown coat and white neck and belongs to Emma Sayle, the girlfriend of Sir Ian’s son, Liam.

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The couple were staying at the Botham family home for the weekend when Woody was last seen on the property’s CCTV camera.

The couple are said to be “frantic with worry” and a £2,000 reward for the dog’s safe return has been offered.

Liam, a former professional rugby player, is currently in the final stages of getting a divorce from estranged wife Sarah-Jayne Botham, 37.

It is understood Sarah-Jayne Botham was arrested in connection with the missing dog in County Durham on Thursday.

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The estranged couple have three children and Mrs Botham still lives in their former marital home in North Yorkshire, which is owned by Sir Ian.

Liam said: “My mum and dad are very hurt and angry this has happened on their property.”

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police said: “Just after 10pm last night police arrested a 37-year-old local woman in connection with the incident. She was arrested in the County Durham area and has been released on bail while inquiries continue.”