Sir Richard Sutton: Man charged with murder of London Sheraton Grand owner

Wife of multi-millionaire hotelier remains in critical condition in hospital

The Sheraton Grand on Park Lane is one of London’s most well-known hotels. PA

A man has been charged with the murder of British hotelier Sir Richard Sutton, who was found dead at his country manor last Wednesday.

The multi-millionaire hotelier was the owner of some of London’s most exclusive hotels, including the Sheraton Grand on Park Lane and the Athenaeum.

Police said Sutton, 83, had received multiple stab wounds in an attack at his sprawling estate near Gillingham, Dorset.

Officers said a woman in her sixties was seriously injured in the incident and was flown to a hospital in Bristol. She remains in a critical condition.

A spokesman for Sir Richard Sutton Ltd said the woman is Anne Schreiber, the hotelier's second wife, who was "a hugely important part of Sir Richard's life" having cared for him for a "long period". The spokesman wished her "a swift and full recovery".

Thomas Schreiber, 34, from the Gillingham area, has been charged with murder, attempted murder and dangerous driving, and is due before magistrates in Poole on Monday.

The spokesman said: "Though separated, Sir Richard also remained on good terms with his wife, Lady Fiamma, and was very close to their children, who are mourning the loss of a devoted father.

“Employees across the group have been united in their shock at what has happened and will need time to come to terms with the loss of such an influential figure.”

Det Insp Simon Huxter, of Dorset Police's Major Crime Investigation Team, said: "Our thoughts remain with the victim's family and all of those affected by this terrible incident.

“Following a detailed investigation, we have consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service.

“As a result, Dorset Police have been authorised to formally charge Thomas Schreiber with the murder of Sir Richard, attempted murder of the injured woman and dangerous driving.”

Sir Richard was listed at number 435 in the Sunday Times Rich List last year, with an estimated family fortune of £301 million ($412m) – a rise of £83m from the previous year.

He had an extensive property and farming portfolio, including the 2,630-hectare Benham Estate in West Berkshire and the Stainton Estate in Lincolnshire.