A RESPECTED former Dorset Police detective has died suddenly at the age of 65.

John Homer’s career involved some of the most complex inquiries ever dealt with in the county.

He was commended for bringing killer Peter Taylor to justice in 1993 for the murder of his wife 11 years earlier, despite the fact that her body was never found.

And he was also heavily involved in the tragic case of Down’s Syndrome woman Jo Ramsden, found dead in Dorset after being kidnapped.

Mr Homer investigated a huge blackmail case against Tesco and was instrumental in setting up the Dorset Police serious crime squad.

He reached the rank of Detective Chief Superintendent and was head of Dorset CID when he retired nine years ago.

He lived in Colehill and leaves his wife, Fay, son, Jamie and daughter, Michelle.

Jamie told the Daily Echo his father had a heart attack on Monday January 17 and died three days later in the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. He had not been ill.

“It was a terrible shock for all of us. Ever since he retired, he kept himself busy and had not shown any signs of being ill,” said Jamie.

“He spent a lot of time on his boat, maintained a house he rented out and helped out with jobs for all the family.

“He couldn’t keep still and was happiest when he was doing things for other people.”

Mr Homer was a member of the Dorset Police Male Voice Choir, which raises thousands of pounds every year for charity.

Hundreds of people are expected at his funeral, which will be held at Wimborne Minster at 1pm on Friday January 28.

Donations to SPRING, Supporting Parents and Relatives in Neo-natal Grief, can be sent to funeral directors Douch and Small, 7, Leigh Road, Wimborne, BH21 1AB, telephone 01202 882936.