IN 2016, the disappearance of a young mother from Milton Keynes gripped the nation.
The family of Natalie Hemming were left distraught when the mum-of-three vanished without a trace – but one man close to home knew exactly what had happened to her.
![Who is Paul Hemming and where is he now? Who is Paul Hemming and where is he now?](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/natalie-hemming-see-masons-copy-277639381.jpg?strip=all&w=391)
Natalie Hemming vanished without a trace in 2016[/caption]
Who is Paul Hemming?
Paul Hemming was the man found guilty of murdering his partner, 31-year-old Natalie Hemming on Sunday, May 1, 2016.
They had been together since 2007 and although they weren’t married, she took his surname and he became a father figure to her young daughter.
In the years that followed, Paul and Natalie also welcomed a son and a daughter.
Natalie Hemming was beaten to death in the lounge of her home by her jealous partner Paul after he flew into a fit of rage.
The brutal murder transpired after Hemming discovered Natalie planned to leave him for a colleague.
During his trial in 2016, the court heard how Hemming had wrapped Natalie’s body in a blanket, placed it in the boot of his car and then drove from Milton Keynes to a wooded area about 30 miles away in south Hertfordshire.
He then went on to invent an elaborate web of lies in a bid to cover-up his callous crimes.
When Natalie’s children woke up the following morning, Hemming claimed their mother had left the house while they were asleep and had gone to visit a friend.
It later emerged that Natalie’s son, then six, had woken up and witnessed the murder through a gap in the door.
Hemming then took the children to Whipsnade Zoo for a Bank Holiday day out.
Two days after Natalie’s disappearance, her mother frantically dialled 999 and reported her daughter missing.
It was then one of the biggest searches in the history of Thames Valley Police followed.
When police officers arrived at the family home, Hemming falsely informed them that Natalie had been raped on the Saturday night and had gone away to “clear her head”.
In a bid to deceive authorities further, Hemming sent text messages to Natalie’s phone, appearing to be concerned and worried for her welfare.
Three weeks later the body of the missing mother was discovered.
Speaking during his trial, Pathologist Dr Olaf Biedrzycki said it was impossible to determine what caused Natalie’s death due to the advanced state of decomposition.
An official review discovered that authorities “missed opportunities” to share information about her abusive partner – who featured in Channel 4 documentary Catching A Killer: The Search For Natalie Hemming.
During his trial, the court heard there had been previous incidents of domestic violence at the hands of Hemming against Natalie.
In 2007, Natalie made a statement to police alleging that after an argument, Hemming had thrown her mobile phone at her which struck her on the head.
Years later, in 2013 Natalie told the police once again Hemming had poked her in the eye and hit her over the head with a bottle.
The Milton Keynes Community Safety Partnership’s review concluded that “despite only three calls to the police concerning domestic abuse over a nine-year period” it was evident she had “disclosed information to professionals that suggested her and the perpetrator’s relationship was abusive”.
Where is Paul Hemming now?
Paul Hemming is currently serving a life sentence in prison for the crimes he committed.
He was found guilty of murder, obstructing the coroner and preventing the lawful burial of Natalie Hemmings.
Hemming had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
How long will Paul Hemming spend in prison?
Paul Hemming was sentenced to life in prison.
He will serve a minimum of 20 years.
Hemming will not be eligible for parole until 2036.