A FORMER Bournemouth councillor has been charged with murdering his wife months after the couple moved to France, it has been confirmed.

David Turtle, who represented Kinson North, was arrested following the death of 50-year-old Stephanie on March 30 in Prayssac.

French police were called to the couple's B&B in the early hours of the morning.

At the opening of an inquest held in Derby on Thursday, it was heard that Mrs Turtle was pronounced dead at 2.24am and her body identified by a tattoo on her ankle.

DC Wayne Neal, of Derbyshire Police, told the court: "The French police are treating the incident as suspicious and David Turtle has been arrested and charged in relation to Stephanie Turtle's death and he is remanded in custody.

"The French police are continuing their investigation."

The inquest was adjourned to a date in June pending the criminal investigation.

A spokesperson from Derbyshire Police yesterday confirmed that Turtle has been charged with murder.

French media reported Mrs Turtle had died of asphyxia. She was allegedly found under the wheels of a car.

Turtle formally resigned from Bournemouth council on July 15 last year having been elected in May 2015.