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|name = The Earl of Shaftesbury |
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'''Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 10th Earl of Shaftesbury''' (22 May 1938 – c. 5 November 2004), styled '''Lord Ashley''' between 1947 and 1961, and '''Earl of Shaftesbury''' from 1961 until his death, was a [[British peerage|British peer]] from [[Wimborne St Giles]], [[Dorset]], located in [[South West England]]. |
'''Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 10th Earl of Shaftesbury''' (22 May 1938 – c. 5 November 2004), styled '''Lord Ashley''' between 1947 and 1961, and '''Earl of Shaftesbury''' from 1961 until his death, was a [[British peerage|British peer]] from [[Wimborne St Giles]], [[Dorset]], located in [[South West England]]. He was the son of [[Anthony Ashley-Cooper, Lord Ashley|Major Anthony Ashley-Cooper, Lord Ashley]], and Françoise Soulier.<ref name="autogenerated3576">Mosley, Charles editor (2003). ''Burke's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage'', 107th edition, 3 volumes, Wilmington, Delaware: Burke's Peerage [Genealogical Books] Ltd), volume 3, page 3576. ISBN 978-0971196629</ref> |
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Ashley-Cooper was the grandson of [[Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 9th Earl of Shaftesbury]]. Ashley-Cooper's father was the [[heir apparent]] to the earldom and its subsidiary titles, but he predeceased his father. His death made his son next in the line of [[Order of succession#Monarchies and nobility|succession]]. When his grandfather died in 1961, Ashley-Cooper became the 10th [[Earl of Shaftesbury]], [[Ashley baronets|Baron Ashley of Wimborne St Giles]] and [[Cooper baronets|Baron Cooper of Pawlett]]. |
Ashley-Cooper was the grandson of [[Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 9th Earl of Shaftesbury]]. Ashley-Cooper's father was the [[heir apparent]] to the earldom and its subsidiary titles, but he predeceased his father. His death made his son next in the line of [[Order of succession#Monarchies and nobility|succession]]. When his grandfather died in 1961, Ashley-Cooper became the 10th [[Earl of Shaftesbury]], [[Ashley baronets|Baron Ashley of Wimborne St Giles]] and [[Cooper baronets|Baron Cooper of Pawlett]]. |
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The 10th Earl of Shaftesbury was a wealthy landowner of over {{convert|9000|acre|ha}} in [[East Dorset]], and received honours and awards for his [[philanthropy|philanthropic]] and [[conservation movement|conservationist]] work, which included planting over a million trees in South West England.<ref name="telegraph4">{{cite news|last=Allen |first=Peter |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1552709/Eccentrics-fatal-taste-for-wild-women.html |title=Eccentric's fatal taste for wild women |publisher=Telegraph |date= |
The 10th Earl of Shaftesbury was a wealthy landowner of over {{convert|9000|acre|ha}} in [[East Dorset]], and received honours and awards for his [[philanthropy|philanthropic]] and [[conservation movement|conservationist]] work, which included planting over a million trees in South West England.<ref name="telegraph4">{{cite news|last=Allen |first=Peter |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1552709/Eccentrics-fatal-taste-for-wild-women.html |title=Eccentric's fatal taste for wild women |publisher=Telegraph |date=26 May 2007 |accessdate=16 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref> He served as president of the [[Ragged school|Shaftesbury Society]], pursuing the same goals of his second great grandfather, the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, who had founded the organization as Ragged Schools in 1840. He also served as the vice president of Sir [[David Attenborough]]'s [[Butterfly Conservation|British Butterfly Conservation Society]].<ref name="telegraph1">{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1488272/The-Earl-of-Shaftesbury.html |title=Lord Ashley's Obituary |publisher=Telegraph.co.uk |date=21 April 2005 |accessdate=4 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref> |
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In November 2004, the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury went missing while in [[France]], prompting an international police investigation. His remains were found at the bottom of a remote ravine in the foothills of the [[French Alps]] five months after his death. Investigations revealed that he was murdered by his brother-in-law during an argument regarding a divorce from his wife, [[Jamila M'Barek]], both of whom were convicted of his murder. |
In November 2004, the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury went missing while in [[France]], prompting an international police investigation. His remains were found at the bottom of a remote ravine in the foothills of the [[French Alps]] five months after his death. Investigations revealed that he was murdered by his brother-in-law during an argument regarding a divorce from his wife, [[Jamila M'Barek]], both of whom were convicted of his murder. |
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== Education and early years == |
== Education and early years == |
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Anthony Ashley-Cooper was born on 22 May 1938 in [[Greater London]], England. He was named after his father, as was tradition for firstborn sons in the Ashley-Cooper family. His father, Major Anthony Ashley-Cooper, Lord Ashley, was the firstborn son of the 9th Earl of Shaftesbury. Notable among his ancestors were his seventh great grandfather, the [[Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury|1st Earl of Shaftesbury]] and leader of the [[Whig (British political party)|Whig party]] in Parliament; and his second great grandfather, the [[Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury|7th Earl of Shaftesbury]] and 19th-century evangelical social reformer, who was honoured with the [[Piccadilly Circus#Shaftesbury Memorial and the Statue of Eros|Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain]] in London's [[Piccadilly Circus]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=41457 |title=Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain |publisher=British-history.ac.uk |date= |accessdate=2010 |
Anthony Ashley-Cooper was born on 22 May 1938 in [[Greater London]], England. He was named after his father, as was tradition for firstborn sons in the Ashley-Cooper family. His father, Major Anthony Ashley-Cooper, Lord Ashley, was the firstborn son of the 9th Earl of Shaftesbury. Notable among his ancestors were his seventh great grandfather, the [[Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury|1st Earl of Shaftesbury]] and leader of the [[Whig (British political party)|Whig party]] in Parliament; and his second great grandfather, the [[Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury|7th Earl of Shaftesbury]] and 19th-century evangelical social reformer, who was honoured with the [[Piccadilly Circus#Shaftesbury Memorial and the Statue of Eros|Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain]] in London's [[Piccadilly Circus]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=41457 |title=Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain |publisher=British-history.ac.uk |date= |accessdate=4 July 2010}}</ref> |
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[[File:Cathedral oxford.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Christ Church at the University of Oxford]] |
[[File:Cathedral oxford.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Christ Church at the University of Oxford]] |
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During World War II, Ashley-Cooper's father served as a British [[Intelligence Officer]] with the [[Auxiliary Units]], which were highly covert [[Resistance movement|Resistance groups]] trained to engage and counteract the expected invasion of the United Kingdom by [[Nazi Germany]]. Members of the Auxiliary Unit were stationed in hidden bunkers scattered throughout Great Britain. While Major Lord Ashley was trained at Coleshill House near [[Highworth]], [[Wiltshire]], he was responsible for the command of Dorset and Somerset. Specific details regarding his assignments and operations remain classified.<ref>Warwicker, John. ''With Britain in Mortal Danger: Britain's Secret Army'', Cerberus Publishing Ltd; New edition, 2002. p. 4. ISBN 978-1-84145-112-1</ref><ref>Lampe, David. ''The Last Ditch: Britain's Secret Resistance and the Nazi Invasion Plan'', London: Greenhill Books, 2007, p. 92. ISBN 978-1-85367-730-4</ref> |
During World War II, Ashley-Cooper's father served as a British [[Intelligence Officer]] with the [[Auxiliary Units]], which were highly covert [[Resistance movement|Resistance groups]] trained to engage and counteract the expected invasion of the United Kingdom by [[Nazi Germany]]. Members of the Auxiliary Unit were stationed in hidden bunkers scattered throughout Great Britain. While Major Lord Ashley was trained at Coleshill House near [[Highworth]], [[Wiltshire]], he was responsible for the command of Dorset and Somerset. Specific details regarding his assignments and operations remain classified.<ref>Warwicker, John. ''With Britain in Mortal Danger: Britain's Secret Army'', Cerberus Publishing Ltd; New edition, 2002. p. 4. ISBN 978-1-84145-112-1</ref><ref>Lampe, David. ''The Last Ditch: Britain's Secret Resistance and the Nazi Invasion Plan'', London: Greenhill Books, 2007, p. 92. ISBN 978-1-85367-730-4</ref> |
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Ashley-Cooper was educated at [[Eton College|Eton]] and [[Christ Church, Oxford]]. As a child, his primary pursuits outside of getting an education, included mountain climbing and skiing. He also expressed a love of music, which continued into adulthood with his service as chairman of the [[London Philharmonic Orchestra]] from 1966 to 1980.<ref name="telegraph1"/> On 8 March 1947, his father died unexpectedly of a heart disease and Ashley-Cooper became heir to the titles held by his grandfather and acquired the [[courtesy title]] of Lord Ashley. |
Ashley-Cooper was educated at [[Eton College|Eton]] and [[Christ Church, Oxford]]. As a child, his primary pursuits outside of getting an education, included mountain climbing and skiing. He also expressed a love of music, which continued into adulthood with his service as chairman of the [[London Philharmonic Orchestra]] from 1966 to 1980.<ref name="telegraph1"/> On 8 March 1947, his father died unexpectedly of a heart disease and Ashley-Cooper became heir to the titles held by his grandfather and acquired the [[courtesy title]] of Lord Ashley. |
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Lord Ashley's mother decided to move back to her native France with the children. In August 1947, she remarried Col François Goussault and the newly formed family settled in Paris.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cracroftspeerage.co.uk/online/content/Shaftesbury1672.htm |title=Shaftesbury, Earl of (E, 1672) |publisher=Cracroftspeerage.co.uk |date= |accessdate= |
Lord Ashley's mother decided to move back to her native France with the children. In August 1947, she remarried Col François Goussault and the newly formed family settled in Paris.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cracroftspeerage.co.uk/online/content/Shaftesbury1672.htm |title=Shaftesbury, Earl of (E, 1672) |publisher=Cracroftspeerage.co.uk |date= |accessdate=16 July 2010}}</ref> The children spent the next few years shuttling across the [[English Channel]] to their boarding schools, Eton for Lord Ashley and [[Heathfield School, Ascot|Heathfield School]] in [[Ascot, Berkshire|Ascot]] for his sister, Frances. Holidays were alternately spent in France or with their grandparents at the Manor House in Wimborne St Giles.<ref name="guardian2006">{{cite news|author=Alex Duval Smith |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2006/jul/09/ukcrime.france |title=Fall from grace |publisher=Guardian |date= 9 July 2006|accessdate=4 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref> Lord Ashley was 22 years old when he succeeded his grandfather. |
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The 9th Earl of Shaftesbury, prior to his death, invested and arranged financial matters so that his heirs would avoid [[Inheritance tax|death duties]]. When his grandfather died, the newly titled 10th Earl of Shaftesbury came into a vast fortune of the Shaftesbury estates and other properties, including the family's 17th-century home and large estate in Dorset, as well as residences in [[Hove]], [[City of London|London]], [[Versailles (city)|Versailles]] and the [[French Riviera]].<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4463279.stm |title=Body discovered in Alps was earl |publisher=BBC News |date= |
The 9th Earl of Shaftesbury, prior to his death, invested and arranged financial matters so that his heirs would avoid [[Inheritance tax|death duties]]. When his grandfather died, the newly titled 10th Earl of Shaftesbury came into a vast fortune of the Shaftesbury estates and other properties, including the family's 17th-century home and large estate in Dorset, as well as residences in [[Hove]], [[City of London|London]], [[Versailles (city)|Versailles]] and the [[French Riviera]].<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4463279.stm |title=Body discovered in Alps was earl |publisher=BBC News |date=19 April 2005 |accessdate=16 July 2010}}</ref> Shaftesbury also inherited a collection of art, antiques, and other valuables worth over £3m. By the 1990s, the wealth of the family estate remained well worth millions.<ref name="telegraph1"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.thisisdorset.net/2005/3/1/58106.html |title=This is Dorset |publisher=Archive.thisisdorset.net |date= |accessdate=4 July 2010}}</ref><ref name="everything2005">{{Cite web|url=http://everything2.com/title/Anthony+Ashley-Cooper%252C+10th+Earl+of+Shaftesbury |title=Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 10th Earl of Shaftesbury |publisher=Everything2.com |date=15 April 2005 |accessdate=4 July 2010}}</ref> |
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=== St Giles House === |
=== St Giles House === |
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The Ashleys and Ashley-Coopers have made Wimborne St Giles their home since the 15th century. The small village of Wimborne St Giles rests within the family estate itself. The Ashley family arrived in Dorset, originally from Wiltshire, where they owned the manor of Ashley, since the 11th century. The first ancestor to reside in Wimborne St Giles was Robert Ashley (born c. 1415), fifth great grandfather of Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury.<ref>Timbs, John; and Alexander Gunn. ''[http://books.google.com/books?id=LKojH7qVk8sC&pg=PA444&lpg=PA444&dq=%22robert+ashley%22+Shaftesbury&source=bl&ots=Df83-sgQQx&sig=vbcnhDCZmwiXDvpDSfiUVkscsqY&hl=en&ei=2WhMTJDDB4PWtQP4l-xI&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CCAQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22robert%20ashley%22%20Shaftesbury&f=false Abbeys, Castles and Ancient Halls of England and Wales – Their Legendary Lore and Popular History]'', Read Books, 2006, pp. 444–446. ISBN 978-1-84664-342-2</ref><ref>Burke, John. ''[http://books.google.com/books?id=4KRAAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA18&lpg=PA18&dq=%22robert+ashley%22+Shaftesbury&source=bl&ots=eQKRM-J0Em&sig=9cMKC3ZDnZwnEt3aWRN4VlHPhXU&hl=en&ei=eWpMTL3mAou4sQPEmI1J&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CCsQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=%22robert%20ashley%22%20Shaftesbury&f=false A genealogical and heraldic History of the extinct and dormant Baronetcies of England, Ireland and Scotland: By John and John Bern. Burke]'', John Russ Smith, p 18, 1844. ISBN 978-0-8063-0739-8</ref> |
The Ashleys and Ashley-Coopers have made Wimborne St Giles their home since the 15th century. The small village of Wimborne St Giles rests within the family estate itself. The Ashley family arrived in Dorset, originally from Wiltshire, where they owned the manor of Ashley, since the 11th century. The first ancestor to reside in Wimborne St Giles was Robert Ashley (born c. 1415), fifth great grandfather of Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury.<ref>Timbs, John; and Alexander Gunn. ''[http://books.google.com/books?id=LKojH7qVk8sC&pg=PA444&lpg=PA444&dq=%22robert+ashley%22+Shaftesbury&source=bl&ots=Df83-sgQQx&sig=vbcnhDCZmwiXDvpDSfiUVkscsqY&hl=en&ei=2WhMTJDDB4PWtQP4l-xI&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CCAQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22robert%20ashley%22%20Shaftesbury&f=false Abbeys, Castles and Ancient Halls of England and Wales – Their Legendary Lore and Popular History]'', Read Books, 2006, pp. 444–446. ISBN 978-1-84664-342-2</ref><ref>Burke, John. ''[http://books.google.com/books?id=4KRAAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA18&lpg=PA18&dq=%22robert+ashley%22+Shaftesbury&source=bl&ots=eQKRM-J0Em&sig=9cMKC3ZDnZwnEt3aWRN4VlHPhXU&hl=en&ei=eWpMTL3mAou4sQPEmI1J&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CCsQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=%22robert%20ashley%22%20Shaftesbury&f=false A genealogical and heraldic History of the extinct and dormant Baronetcies of England, Ireland and Scotland: By John and John Bern. Burke]'', John Russ Smith, p 18, 1844. ISBN 978-0-8063-0739-8</ref> |
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Built in 1651, the family seat of St Giles House was unoccupied for many years following the death of the 9th Earl of Shaftesbury, and fell into disrepair apart from one wing used as the estate office.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.thisisdorset.net/2001/6/28/99374.html |title=St Giles House on 2001 Register of Buildings at Risk |publisher=Archive.thisisdorset.net |date= |
Built in 1651, the family seat of St Giles House was unoccupied for many years following the death of the 9th Earl of Shaftesbury, and fell into disrepair apart from one wing used as the estate office.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.thisisdorset.net/2001/6/28/99374.html |title=St Giles House on 2001 Register of Buildings at Risk |publisher=Archive.thisisdorset.net |date=28 June 2001 |accessdate=4 July 2010}}</ref> In 2001 it was recorded on the [[Heritage at Risk Register|Register of Buildings at Risk]], as a Grade I listed building, indicating neglect and decay. Buildings recorded on the Grade I list include those of "exceptional interest, sometimes considered to be internationally important".<ref name="english-heritage1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/protecting/heritage-protection/what-can-we-protect/listed-buildings/ |title=Listed Buildings |publisher=English Heritage |date= |accessdate=6 August 2010| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20100710155806/http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/protecting/heritage-protection/what-can-we-protect/listed-buildings/| archivedate= 10 July 2010 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> Following extensive repairs, in 2012 the house was reoccupied by the 12th Earl of Shaftesbury and his family.<ref>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/9684183/The-Aristocrats-Channel-4-You-dont-want-to-be-the-one-who-screws-up.html</ref> |
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== Conservation and philanthropy == |
== Conservation and philanthropy == |
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Shaftesbury served as president of the [[Ragged school|Shaftesbury Society]], which the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury had founded as Ragged Schools in 1840. The charity provides free education, as well as food, clothing, lodging and other home missionary services for those too poor to pay. In 2007, the Shaftesbury Society was merged with John Grooms Crippleage, reorganising under the new name of ''Livability.'' |
Shaftesbury served as president of the [[Ragged school|Shaftesbury Society]], which the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury had founded as Ragged Schools in 1840. The charity provides free education, as well as food, clothing, lodging and other home missionary services for those too poor to pay. In 2007, the Shaftesbury Society was merged with John Grooms Crippleage, reorganising under the new name of ''Livability.'' |
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The benevolence of the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury also extended to the ownership and use of [[Lough Neagh]], which is the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles and ranks among the 40 largest lakes of Europe. Five of the six counties of Northern Ireland have shores on the lough (only [[County Fermanagh]] does not), and its area is split among them. The lake is the source of 40 percent of Northern Ireland's drinking water.<ref>{{cite news|last=Peterkin |first=Tom |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1488909/Earls-death-casts-cloud-over-troubled-waters.html |title=Earl's death casts cloud over troubled waters |publisher=Telegraph |date= |
The benevolence of the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury also extended to the ownership and use of [[Lough Neagh]], which is the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles and ranks among the 40 largest lakes of Europe. Five of the six counties of Northern Ireland have shores on the lough (only [[County Fermanagh]] does not), and its area is split among them. The lake is the source of 40 percent of Northern Ireland's drinking water.<ref>{{cite news|last=Peterkin |first=Tom |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1488909/Earls-death-casts-cloud-over-troubled-waters.html |title=Earl's death casts cloud over troubled waters |publisher=Telegraph |date=29 April 2005 |accessdate=16 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref> While this ownership could feasibly increase the financial outlook of the family estate, at Shaftesbury's insistence, water continues to be extracted from the lough at no charge to either the citizens or civic government of Northern Ireland.<ref>{{cite news|last=Peterkin |first=Tom |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1488909/Earls-death-casts-cloud-over-troubled-waters.html |title=Lough Neagh |publisher=Telegraph.co.uk |date=29 April 2005 |accessdate=4 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref> |
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== House of Lords speech == |
== House of Lords speech == |
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[[File:House of Lords, throne.jpg|thumb|House of Lords chamber]] |
[[File:House of Lords, throne.jpg|thumb|House of Lords chamber]] |
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Although a member of the [[House of Lords]], until the passage of the [[House of Lords Act 1999|House of Lords Act]] in 1999, the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury rarely attended. His [[maiden speech]] was made on 10 November 1999. At this time, Shaftesbury made an eight-minute presentation in a debate regarding arts and sport, a portion of which is presented below.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Department of the Official Report (Hansard), House of Lords, Westminster |url=http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld199899/ldhansrd/vo991110/text/91110-20.htm |title=Lords Hansard text for 10 Nov 1999 |publisher=Publications.parliament.uk |date= |
Although a member of the [[House of Lords]], until the passage of the [[House of Lords Act 1999|House of Lords Act]] in 1999, the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury rarely attended. His [[maiden speech]] was made on 10 November 1999. At this time, Shaftesbury made an eight-minute presentation in a debate regarding arts and sport, a portion of which is presented below.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Department of the Official Report (Hansard), House of Lords, Westminster |url=http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld199899/ldhansrd/vo991110/text/91110-20.htm |title=Lords Hansard text for 10 Nov 1999 |publisher=Publications.parliament.uk |date=10 November 1999 |accessdate=4 July 2010}}</ref> |
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''The [[Nicholas Le Poer Trench, 9th Earl of Clancarty|Earl of Clancarty]] rose to ask Her Majesty's Government how they believe the arts and sport relate to the issue of "social exclusion".'' |
''The [[Nicholas Le Poer Trench, 9th Earl of Clancarty|Earl of Clancarty]] rose to ask Her Majesty's Government how they believe the arts and sport relate to the issue of "social exclusion".'' |
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=== Bianca Maria de Paolis === |
=== Bianca Maria de Paolis === |
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Shaftesbury met his Italian-born first wife, Bianca de Paolis, during a skiing holiday.<ref name="telegraph4"/> They married in July 1966.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/74217886/Hulton-Archive |title=Shaftesbury Wedding Photos |publisher=Gettyimages.com |date= |accessdate=2010 |
Shaftesbury met his Italian-born first wife, Bianca de Paolis, during a skiing holiday.<ref name="telegraph4"/> They married in July 1966.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/74217886/Hulton-Archive |title=Shaftesbury Wedding Photos |publisher=Gettyimages.com |date= |accessdate=4 July 2010}}</ref> Bianca Maria de Paolis (born c. 1926), was the daughter of Gino de Paolis, a Roman banker. She had previously been married to the American film producer, Jack Le Vien. Shaftesbury and de Paolis were declared husband and wife at the Westminster Registry Office in front of a few friends, with none of his family in attendance. They divorced 10 years later, on grounds of his adultery with an unnamed woman. The couple had no children.<ref>{{cite news|last=Randall |first=Colin |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1476986/Family-fear-after-Lord-Shaftesbury-vanishes-for-two-weeks.html |title=Family fear after Lord Shaftesbury vanishes for two weeks |publisher=Telegraph.co.uk |date=19 November 2004 |accessdate=4 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref> |
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The former Countess Shaftesbury, who used the name Contessa Bianca Shaftesbury, released her memoirs in 2008, entitled, ''A Life on Fire''.<ref>http://www.deastore.com/autore/Bianca%20Shaftesbury.html</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.commissionaportrait.com/news/lady_shaftesburys_memoirs.htm |title=Lady Shaftesbury announces memoirs |publisher=Commissionaportrait.com |date= |accessdate=2010 |
The former Countess Shaftesbury, who used the name Contessa Bianca Shaftesbury, released her memoirs in 2008, entitled, ''A Life on Fire''.<ref>http://www.deastore.com/autore/Bianca%20Shaftesbury.html</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.commissionaportrait.com/news/lady_shaftesburys_memoirs.htm |title=Lady Shaftesbury announces memoirs |publisher=Commissionaportrait.com |date= |accessdate=4 July 2010}}</ref> She died on 16 March 2013, in Milan, Italy. The funeral was held on 18 March 2013 at the church of [[Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto|Santa Maria dei Miracoli]] in [[Piazza del Popolo]].<ref>''Il Corriere della sera'', 17 March 2013</ref><ref>''La Repubblica'', 17 March 2013''</ref> |
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=== Christina Eva Montan === |
=== Christina Eva Montan === |
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In December 1976, Shaftesbury married the Swedish-born, Christina Eva {{Not a typo|Montan}} (born c. 1940). Styled Countess Shaftesbury since their marriage, she was the daughter of Nils {{Not a typo|Montan}}, the former Swedish Ambassador to Germany. Lady Shaftesbury was also a divorcée with a son and daughter from her first marriage, the half siblings of the 11th and 12th Earls of Shaftesbury. Frederic Casella is a television producer and director in Great Britain, while his sister, Cecilia is an attorney living in New York City.<ref name="baxter1">{{cite news|last=Baxter|first=Sarah|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/article532342.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1 |title=The murder, the curse and the DJ earl |publisher=Timesonline.co.uk |date= |
In December 1976, Shaftesbury married the Swedish-born, Christina Eva {{Not a typo|Montan}} (born c. 1940). Styled Countess Shaftesbury since their marriage, she was the daughter of Nils {{Not a typo|Montan}}, the former Swedish Ambassador to Germany. Lady Shaftesbury was also a divorcée with a son and daughter from her first marriage, the half siblings of the 11th and 12th Earls of Shaftesbury. Frederic Casella is a television producer and director in Great Britain, while his sister, Cecilia is an attorney living in New York City.<ref name="baxter1">{{cite news|last=Baxter|first=Sarah|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/article532342.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1 |title=The murder, the curse and the DJ earl |publisher=Timesonline.co.uk |date=12 June 2005 |accessdate=15 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref> Shaftesbury and his second wife had two sons: |
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* [[Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 11th Earl of Shaftesbury|Anthony Nils Christian Ashley-Cooper, 11th Earl of Shaftesbury]] (24 June 1977 – |
* [[Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 11th Earl of Shaftesbury|Anthony Nils Christian Ashley-Cooper, 11th Earl of Shaftesbury]] (24 June 1977 – 15 May 2005), first-born son of the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury and his wife. He died of a heart attack in Manhattan, New York while visiting his younger brother, Nicholas and older half-siblings Frederic and Cecilia.<ref name="bournemouthecho1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/features/8159614.Earl___s_special_bond_with_cause_after_fall/ |title=Bonding with charitable cause following fall |publisher=Bournemouthecho.co.uk |date=11 May 2010 |accessdate=4 July 2010}}</ref> |
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* [[Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, 12th Earl of Shaftesbury|Nicholas Edmund Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 12th Earl of Shaftesbury]] (born 3 June 1979), a former DJ and house music promoter in New York and [[Privilege Ibiza|Privilege]] in [[Ibiza|Ibiza, Spain]]. A short time following his brother's death, Nicholas relocated to the family seat at Wimborne St Giles, returned to business school for a couple of years, and assumed the responsibilities of the earldom. He has shown an interest in supporting charitable organisations, primarily those addressing the needs of children with disabilities. In December 2009, Nicholas suffered serious spinal injuries in a horse riding accident. He crushed his vertebrae in the fall. While he experienced initial paralysis necessitating the use of a wheelchair, physical therapy has helped restore his health to the point where he is able to walk, with limitations. With continued rehabilitation, doctors expect a full recovery.<ref name="bournemouthecho1"/ |
* [[Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, 12th Earl of Shaftesbury|Nicholas Edmund Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 12th Earl of Shaftesbury]] (born 3 June 1979), a former DJ and house music promoter in New York and [[Privilege Ibiza|Privilege]] in [[Ibiza|Ibiza, Spain]]. A short time following his brother's death, Nicholas relocated to the family seat at Wimborne St Giles, returned to business school for a couple of years, and assumed the responsibilities of the earldom. He has shown an interest in supporting charitable organisations, primarily those addressing the needs of children with disabilities. In December 2009, Nicholas suffered serious spinal injuries in a horse riding accident. He crushed his vertebrae in the fall. While he experienced initial paralysis necessitating the use of a wheelchair, physical therapy has helped restore his health to the point where he is able to walk, with limitations. With continued rehabilitation, doctors expect a full recovery.<ref name="bournemouthecho1"/> |
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The second marriage of Shaftesbury was more successful than the first, producing two children. The 1999 death of his mother, however, had a profound effect on Shaftesbury, affecting his relationship with his wife and children.<ref name="telegraph4"/> Lady Frances Ashley-Cooper, sister of the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury stated the following. |
The second marriage of Shaftesbury was more successful than the first, producing two children. The 1999 death of his mother, however, had a profound effect on Shaftesbury, affecting his relationship with his wife and children.<ref name="telegraph4"/> Lady Frances Ashley-Cooper, sister of the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury stated the following. |
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Shaftesbury had an apartment in Versailles, (furnished with £3m worth of antique art and furniture) but spent much of his time on the [[Cote d'Azur]] where he enjoyed a social life fueled by drugs and alcohol. His wealth attracted a variety of individuals, willing and ready to take advantage of his generosity. A friend described him as becoming a "philanthropist who specialised in rescuing lap dancers" while his French lawyer, Thierry Bensaude, more diplomatically referred to him as "a philosophical adventurer in society".<ref name="everything2005"/> |
Shaftesbury had an apartment in Versailles, (furnished with £3m worth of antique art and furniture) but spent much of his time on the [[Cote d'Azur]] where he enjoyed a social life fueled by drugs and alcohol. His wealth attracted a variety of individuals, willing and ready to take advantage of his generosity. A friend described him as becoming a "philanthropist who specialised in rescuing lap dancers" while his French lawyer, Thierry Bensaude, more diplomatically referred to him as "a philosophical adventurer in society".<ref name="everything2005"/> |
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In early 2002, an article in the ''Daily Telegraph'' described the 63-year-old lord, "dressed in leather trousers and open-necked, pink silk shirts, with a gold chain draped around his neck".<ref name="telegraph3">{{cite news|last=Edwardes |first=Charlotte |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1382805/Centrefold-mystery-of-Earls-model-fiancee.html |title=Centrefold mystery of Earl's model fiancee |publisher=Telegraph.co.uk |date= |
In early 2002, an article in the ''Daily Telegraph'' described the 63-year-old lord, "dressed in leather trousers and open-necked, pink silk shirts, with a gold chain draped around his neck".<ref name="telegraph3">{{cite news|last=Edwardes |first=Charlotte |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1382805/Centrefold-mystery-of-Earls-model-fiancee.html |title=Centrefold mystery of Earl's model fiancee |publisher=Telegraph.co.uk |date=27 January 2002 |accessdate=4 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref> Shaftesbury had fallen hard for a 29-year-old French model named Nathalie Lions.<ref name="telegraph3"/> In 2006, an article in the ''Guardian'' wrote of his relationship with Lions, with whom he would be found "frolicking at Bellini's bar in [[Kensington]], where he liberally wrote cheques and Lions spent them".<ref name="guardian2006"/> He refused to listen to others who warned him that she was taking advantage of him. They toured the party spots of London, Barbados, and the Riviera until a tabloid exposé revealed Lions' past as a "Penthouse Pet" for ''Penthouse'' magazine and Shaftesbury called off the relationship.<ref name="guardian2006"/> Rather than return to England, he remained on the French Riviera. |
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=== Jamila Ben M'Barek === |
=== Jamila Ben M'Barek === |
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{{Main|Jamila M'Barek}} |
{{Main|Jamila M'Barek}} |
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The 10th Earl of Shaftesbury became a familiar figure in some of the nightspots on the French Riviera. He was known for his black leather trousers, pink shirts, and large red and black eyeglasses. He had a habit of flashing his money around as he bought drinks for a wide variety of female companions.<ref name="telegraph1"/> At one such establishment on the Riviera, he met [[Jamila M'Barek|Jamila Ben M'Barek]] (born c. 1961), a divorcée and the mother of two children from a previous relationship. She was one of seven children born in Paris to a Tunisian mother and Moroccan father.<ref name="telegraph5">{{cite news|last=Allen |first=Peter |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1552404/Marriage-to-earl-was-cursed-says-wife-accused-of-plotting-his-murder.html |title=Marriage to earl was cursed, says wife accused of plotting his murder |publisher=Telegraph |date= |
The 10th Earl of Shaftesbury became a familiar figure in some of the nightspots on the French Riviera. He was known for his black leather trousers, pink shirts, and large red and black eyeglasses. He had a habit of flashing his money around as he bought drinks for a wide variety of female companions.<ref name="telegraph1"/> At one such establishment on the Riviera, he met [[Jamila M'Barek|Jamila Ben M'Barek]] (born c. 1961), a divorcée and the mother of two children from a previous relationship. She was one of seven children born in Paris to a Tunisian mother and Moroccan father.<ref name="telegraph5">{{cite news|last=Allen |first=Peter |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1552404/Marriage-to-earl-was-cursed-says-wife-accused-of-plotting-his-murder.html |title=Marriage to earl was cursed, says wife accused of plotting his murder |publisher=Telegraph |date=23 May 2007 |accessdate=16 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref> In 1993, M'Barek had posed naked in ''Playboy'', but it did not cause alarm. They were married on 5 November 2002, at [[Hilversum]] in the [[Netherlands]].<ref name="telegraph1"/> |
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To the disappointment of his family, he became infatuated with M'Barek, buying her a flat in Cannes for £500,000 and transferring other properties into her name after they married.<ref>{{cite news|last=Campbell|first=Matthew|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1845286.ece |title=Cold hearts & coronets |publisher=Timesonline.co.uk |date= |
To the disappointment of his family, he became infatuated with M'Barek, buying her a flat in Cannes for £500,000 and transferring other properties into her name after they married.<ref>{{cite news|last=Campbell|first=Matthew|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1845286.ece |title=Cold hearts & coronets |publisher=Timesonline.co.uk |date=27 May 2005 |accessdate=15 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref> |
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By April 2004, the couple were separated when Lord Shaftesbury started a new relationship with a young mother of two named Nadia Orche, who has been described as a "club hostess from Cannes" and a "Moroccan prostitute".<ref name="telegraph6">{{cite news|last=Allen |first=Peter |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1552506/Lord-Shaftesbury-feared-for-his-life-says-lover.html |title=Lord Shaftesbury feared for his life, says lover |publisher=Telegraph |date= |
By April 2004, the couple were separated when Lord Shaftesbury started a new relationship with a young mother of two named Nadia Orche, who has been described as a "club hostess from Cannes" and a "Moroccan prostitute".<ref name="telegraph6">{{cite news|last=Allen |first=Peter |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1552506/Lord-Shaftesbury-feared-for-his-life-says-lover.html |title=Lord Shaftesbury feared for his life, says lover |publisher=Telegraph |date=24 May 2007 |accessdate=16 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref> The difference in their ages did not bother her. She described him as "an attentive and generous man".<ref name="telegraph3"/> According to Orche, Shaftesbury was planning to marry her after getting a divorce from his third wife.<ref name="telegraph1"/><ref name="telegraph6"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23397603-details/Brother-in-law+accused+of+murdering+Earl+goes+berserk+in+dock/article.do |title=Brother-in-law accused of murdering Earl goes berserk in dock |publisher=Thisislondon.co.uk |date=4 February 2004 |accessdate=4 July 2010}}</ref> |
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== Disappearance and murder == |
== Disappearance and murder == |
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[[File:Nice-seafront.jpg|thumb|Seafront at Nice, from where Shaftesbury disappeared]] |
[[File:Nice-seafront.jpg|thumb|Seafront at Nice, from where Shaftesbury disappeared]] |
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On 3 November 2004, Shaftesbury arrived in Nice, France, scheduled to meet with his estranged wife. On 4 November, he visited her at her home on Avenue Mareschal Koenig. He later checked into the £130-a-night, four-star Noga Hilton on the Cannes seafront. The following day, after checking out of the hotel, Shaftesbury vanished without a trace. From that point forward, the whereabouts of the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury were unknown until April of the following year.<ref name="autogenerated4">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/4024989.stm |title=UK | England | Hunt for earl missing in France |publisher=BBC News |date= |
On 3 November 2004, Shaftesbury arrived in Nice, France, scheduled to meet with his estranged wife. On 4 November, he visited her at her home on Avenue Mareschal Koenig. He later checked into the £130-a-night, four-star Noga Hilton on the Cannes seafront. The following day, after checking out of the hotel, Shaftesbury vanished without a trace. From that point forward, the whereabouts of the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury were unknown until April of the following year.<ref name="autogenerated4">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/4024989.stm |title=UK | England | Hunt for earl missing in France |publisher=BBC News |date=19 November 2004 |accessdate=16 July 2010}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated5">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/4302899.stm |title=UK | England | Wife arrested over earl 'murder' |publisher=BBC News |date=27 February 2005 |accessdate=16 July 2010}}</ref> |
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=== Friends and family become concerned === |
=== Friends and family become concerned === |
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It was normal for Shaftesbury to occasionally disappear for a few days from time to time, so no one, other than his girlfriend was initially concerned with his disappearance. "Anthony didn’t answer his telephone anymore. I was worried," she says, "I called again. I called England. This wasn’t like him. I was sure that something bad had happened."<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/PressCentre/RealCrime/Ep13TheMysteryoftheMissingEarlWk51/default.html |title=Mystery of the Missing Earl |publisher=Itv.com |date= |accessdate=2010 |
It was normal for Shaftesbury to occasionally disappear for a few days from time to time, so no one, other than his girlfriend was initially concerned with his disappearance. "Anthony didn’t answer his telephone anymore. I was worried," she says, "I called again. I called England. This wasn’t like him. I was sure that something bad had happened."<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/PressCentre/RealCrime/Ep13TheMysteryoftheMissingEarlWk51/default.html |title=Mystery of the Missing Earl |publisher=Itv.com |date= |accessdate=4 July 2010}}</ref> |
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On 15 November 2004, Shaftesbury's Nice-based lawyer, Thierry Bensaude reported him missing, after being contacted by his girlfriend, Orche. The peer divided his time between the Riviera and a home in Hove, East Sussex. He had been due to return home on 10 November.<ref name="autogenerated5"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Police+probe+as+Riviera+earl+does+a+vanishing+act%3B+Mystery+of+the...-a0124965851 |title=Mystery of the British aristocrat missing in France|publisher=Thefreelibrary.com |date= |
On 15 November 2004, Shaftesbury's Nice-based lawyer, Thierry Bensaude reported him missing, after being contacted by his girlfriend, Orche. The peer divided his time between the Riviera and a home in Hove, East Sussex. He had been due to return home on 10 November.<ref name="autogenerated5"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Police+probe+as+Riviera+earl+does+a+vanishing+act%3B+Mystery+of+the...-a0124965851 |title=Mystery of the British aristocrat missing in France|publisher=Thefreelibrary.com |date=19 November 2004 |accessdate=16 July 2010}}</ref> After not hearing from Shaftesbury in a week, they remained concerned when he failed to return to his rented flat in [[Adelaide Crescent]], [[Hove]]. Bensaude and Orche both expressed fears for his safety. Shaftesbury had been taking legal action in relation to the theft of some family antiques and artwork. Some friends and acquaintances mentioned that he had complained of money problems, so they surmised that his disappearance may have had something to do with the theft and financial loss.<ref name="telegraph6"/><ref name="autogenerated4"/> |
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On 18 November, the French police publicly appealed for information leading to Shaftesbury's whereabouts and on 22 November, they opened a formal criminal inquiry. Anthony Nils, eldest son of the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury was regularly in touch with the police following his father's disappearance, and travelled to Nice to confer with French authorities there. |
On 18 November, the French police publicly appealed for information leading to Shaftesbury's whereabouts and on 22 November, they opened a formal criminal inquiry. Anthony Nils, eldest son of the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury was regularly in touch with the police following his father's disappearance, and travelled to Nice to confer with French authorities there. The Rev David Paskins of the Wimborne St Giles parish church said, "Everyone is anxious and concerned — it's the unknown that is worrying. Lady Shaftesbury [Christina] is very concerned."<ref name="thisisdorset1">{{Cite web|url=http://archive.thisisdorset.net/2005/3/1/58106.html |title=Mystery of the tangled life of Lord Shaftesbury |publisher=Archive.thisisdorset.net |date= |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> |
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=== Theories on Shaftesbury's whereabouts === |
=== Theories on Shaftesbury's whereabouts === |
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Family and concerned individuals initially feared that the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury had been kidnapped by Russian or North African gangsters who were plotting to steal his fortune. Thierry Bensaude stated that Shaftesbury is "extremely generous to his friends and may have been taken advantage of".<ref name="everything1">{{Cite web|url=http://everything2.com/title/The+Shaftesbury+Murder |title=The Shaftesbury Murder |publisher=Everything2.com |date= |
Family and concerned individuals initially feared that the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury had been kidnapped by Russian or North African gangsters who were plotting to steal his fortune. Thierry Bensaude stated that Shaftesbury is "extremely generous to his friends and may have been taken advantage of".<ref name="everything1">{{Cite web|url=http://everything2.com/title/The+Shaftesbury+Murder |title=The Shaftesbury Murder |publisher=Everything2.com |date=24 June 2007 |accessdate=4 July 2010}}</ref> His wife claimed that she had warned her husband about the company he was keeping. The theory was that some of his more disreputable acquaintances had decided to kidnap the peer and were now engaged in some scheme to force him into signing away part of his inherited wealth. |
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Commander Brunache said, "We took the case very seriously. There were a number of possible explanations for his disappearance.<br />He could have decided to disappear, a suicide, or he could have been the victim of a crime. There were several possibilities and we were exploring all of them."<ref name="autogenerated1"/> |
Commander Brunache said, "We took the case very seriously. There were a number of possible explanations for his disappearance.<br />He could have decided to disappear, a suicide, or he could have been the victim of a crime. There were several possibilities and we were exploring all of them."<ref name="autogenerated1"/> |
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Within a month of Shaftesbury's disappearance, Detective Chief Superintendent Graham Cox, head of Sussex Police CID, who had been contacted by Lady Frances Ashley-Cooper, said that they were treating the matter as a murder case. The French police agreed with Cox, due to the lack of ransom demands or signs of fraud. Whether dead or alive, there were still no clues as to the whereabouts of the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury.<ref name="thisisdorset1"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.expatica.com/fr/news/local_news/uk-police-to-join-french-hunt-for-missing-lord-14544.html |title=UK police to join French hunt for missing lord |publisher=Expatica.com |date= |accessdate= |
Within a month of Shaftesbury's disappearance, Detective Chief Superintendent Graham Cox, head of Sussex Police CID, who had been contacted by Lady Frances Ashley-Cooper, said that they were treating the matter as a murder case. The French police agreed with Cox, due to the lack of ransom demands or signs of fraud. Whether dead or alive, there were still no clues as to the whereabouts of the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury.<ref name="thisisdorset1"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.expatica.com/fr/news/local_news/uk-police-to-join-french-hunt-for-missing-lord-14544.html |title=UK police to join French hunt for missing lord |publisher=Expatica.com |date= |accessdate=17 July 2010}}</ref> |
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=== Confession and arrest === |
=== Confession and arrest === |
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Shaftesbury and his third wife had separated in April 2004 and divorce proceedings had been set in motion. By that time, he had given her a [[windmill]] in the [[Gers]] region of southwestern France, the €700,000 duplex in a villa in Cannes, which included staff, a 4x4 car, and a monthly allowance, ranging between €7,500 and €10,000. Shaftesbury wanted to end this arrangement and the marriage, so that he could marry his new girlfriend. While Shaftesbury was discussing his desire with his wife, a fight broke out between him and his wife's brother, Mohammed M'Barek. Lord Shaftesbury died during the fight, when Mohammed strangled him, breaking his neck.<ref name="guardian2006"/> |
Shaftesbury and his third wife had separated in April 2004 and divorce proceedings had been set in motion. By that time, he had given her a [[windmill]] in the [[Gers]] region of southwestern France, the €700,000 duplex in a villa in Cannes, which included staff, a 4x4 car, and a monthly allowance, ranging between €7,500 and €10,000. Shaftesbury wanted to end this arrangement and the marriage, so that he could marry his new girlfriend. While Shaftesbury was discussing his desire with his wife, a fight broke out between him and his wife's brother, Mohammed M'Barek. Lord Shaftesbury died during the fight, when Mohammed strangled him, breaking his neck.<ref name="guardian2006"/> |
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[[File:ThéoulePlage.JPG|thumb|left|Théoule-sur-Mer in France where the body of Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 10th Earl of Shaftesbury, was found]] |
[[File:ThéoulePlage.JPG|thumb|left|Théoule-sur-Mer in France where the body of Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 10th Earl of Shaftesbury, was found]] |
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According to Jamila M'Barek, her brother placed her husband's body in the |
According to Jamila M'Barek, her brother placed her husband's body in the boot of his BMW and dumped it in an unknown place. She was arrested on 25 February 2005 and her brother was arrested by German police the following day at his home in Munich. He was later extradited to France, continuing to deny his involvement and knowledge of the location of Lord Shaftesbury's body.<ref name="guardian2006"/> |
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On 7 April 2005, a body in an advanced state of decomposition was discovered by the French authorities in a valley at [[Théoule-sur-Mer]], [[Alpes-Maritimes]] on the outskirts of Cannes. The police were led to the area by examining the last-known signal from Lord Shaftesbury's cellphone records. After a two-day search, they found a decomposed body that had been partly eaten by animals, hidden in the undergrowth next to the riverbed. A French police spokesman announced, "As far as we are concerned, there is absolutely no doubt it is him."<ref name="gimmers1">{{Cite web|last=Gimmers |first=Mof |url=http://www.tvscoop.tv/2008/02/set_the_video_w_23.html |title=Who killed the playboy earl |publisher=Tvscoop.tv |date=2008 |
On 7 April 2005, a body in an advanced state of decomposition was discovered by the French authorities in a valley at [[Théoule-sur-Mer]], [[Alpes-Maritimes]] on the outskirts of Cannes. The police were led to the area by examining the last-known signal from Lord Shaftesbury's cellphone records. After a two-day search, they found a decomposed body that had been partly eaten by animals, hidden in the undergrowth next to the riverbed. A French police spokesman announced, "As far as we are concerned, there is absolutely no doubt it is him."<ref name="gimmers1">{{Cite web|last=Gimmers |first=Mof |url=http://www.tvscoop.tv/2008/02/set_the_video_w_23.html |title=Who killed the playboy earl |publisher=Tvscoop.tv |date=5 February 2008 |accessdate=4 July 2010}}</ref> This belief was confirmed through DNA testing on 18 April 2005.<ref name="autogenerated2"/><ref name="gimmers1"/> |
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In June 2006, pre-trial proceedings began in [[Grasse]], before the investigating [[Magistrate]], Catherine Bonnici. The proceedings were part of the French investigative process that is used to determine whether prosecutors have enough evidence to send a case to trial. During the first week of June, the court travelled to the site where the peer's body was found. Mohamed M'Barek was transported in leg chains for the one-day reenactment. Once they arrived, M'Barek demonstrated that he had enough strength to have acted alone. He managed to lift a {{convert|182|lb|abbr=on}}. dummy — the same weight as Shaftesbury's body — out of the |
In June 2006, pre-trial proceedings began in [[Grasse]], before the investigating [[Magistrate]], Catherine Bonnici. The proceedings were part of the French investigative process that is used to determine whether prosecutors have enough evidence to send a case to trial. During the first week of June, the court travelled to the site where the peer's body was found. Mohamed M'Barek was transported in leg chains for the one-day reenactment. Once they arrived, M'Barek demonstrated that he had enough strength to have acted alone. He managed to lift a {{convert|182|lb|abbr=on}}. dummy — the same weight as Shaftesbury's body — out of the boot of a car and dump it down a ravine.<ref name="telegraph2"/><ref name="timesonline1"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rivieratimes.com/index.php/provence-cote-dazur-article/items/lord-shaftesburys-accused-killers-in-court.html |title=Lord Shaftesbury’s accused killers in court |publisher=Rivieratimes.com |date= |accessdate=25 July 2010}}</ref> |
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Jamila M'Barek told the court that she was not with her brother when he disposed of the body, and in fact, she stated that she had never been to the site. She claimed that she had no role in the killing other than helping her brother, under [[duress]], load the body into his car. She told investigators, "I did not want him to die. I just wanted my brother to intimidate him so that he would continue to pay me my allowance. But he didn't want to have anything to do with it, so a violent quarrel broke out. I left the room because I could not stand to see what was happening".<ref name="telegraph2">{{cite news|last=Randall |first=Colin |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/1521087/Earl-murder-suspect-shows-police-where-he-dumped-body.html |title=Earl murder suspect shows police where he dumped body |publisher=Telegraph.co.uk |date= |
Jamila M'Barek told the court that she was not with her brother when he disposed of the body, and in fact, she stated that she had never been to the site. She claimed that she had no role in the killing other than helping her brother, under [[duress]], load the body into his car. She told investigators, "I did not want him to die. I just wanted my brother to intimidate him so that he would continue to pay me my allowance. But he didn't want to have anything to do with it, so a violent quarrel broke out. I left the room because I could not stand to see what was happening".<ref name="telegraph2">{{cite news|last=Randall |first=Colin |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/1521087/Earl-murder-suspect-shows-police-where-he-dumped-body.html |title=Earl murder suspect shows police where he dumped body |publisher=Telegraph.co.uk |date=12 June 2006 |accessdate=4 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Randall |first=Colin |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/1521087/Earl-murder-suspect-shows-police-where-he-dumped-body.html |title=Earl murder suspect shows police where he dumped body |publisher=Telegraph |date=12 June 2006 |accessdate=25 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref> |
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=== Trial at the Palais de Justice === |
=== Trial at the Palais de Justice === |
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[[File:FR Nica 22.JPG|thumb|Palais de Justice de Nice, France; Court Hall in Nice, France]] |
[[File:FR Nica 22.JPG|thumb|Palais de Justice de Nice, France; Court Hall in Nice, France]] |
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On 22 May 2007, the trial of Jamila M'Barek and Mohamed M'Barek opened at the [[Palais de Justice, Paris|Palais de Justice]] in Nice, two-and-a-half years after the death of the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury. The presiding judge of the jury trial was Nicole Besset, with Jean-Louis Moreau serving as the state prosecutor. Shaftesbury's widow was represented by attorney Franck De Vita, while her brother was represented by Melanie Juginger. The Ashley-Cooper family was represented by attorney Philippe Soussi.<ref name="timesonline1"/ |
On 22 May 2007, the trial of Jamila M'Barek and Mohamed M'Barek opened at the [[Palais de Justice, Paris|Palais de Justice]] in Nice, two-and-a-half years after the death of the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury. The presiding judge of the jury trial was Nicole Besset, with Jean-Louis Moreau serving as the state prosecutor. Shaftesbury's widow was represented by attorney Franck De Vita, while her brother was represented by Melanie Juginger. The Ashley-Cooper family was represented by attorney Philippe Soussi.<ref name="timesonline1"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1552254/Scandalous-trial-of-Earl-of-Shaftesburys-killer.html |title='Scandalous' trial of Earl of Shaftesbury's killer |publisher=Telegraph |date=22 May 2007 |accessdate=25 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Randall |first=Colin |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/1498244/Earl-killed-in-Cannes-by-wifes-brother.html |title=Earl killed in Cannes by wife's brother |publisher=Telegraph |date=12 September 2005 |accessdate=25 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref> |
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A forensic examination of the skeletal remains revealed injuries including a broken ankle, and a double fracture to the larynx which indicated strangulation as the cause of death. At times, both Mme M'Barek and her brother admitted their involvement in the death of Lord Shaftesbury and the French authorities decided to charge both her and her brother with the crime of premeditated murder.<ref name="guardian2006"/> |
A forensic examination of the skeletal remains revealed injuries including a broken ankle, and a double fracture to the larynx which indicated strangulation as the cause of death. At times, both Mme M'Barek and her brother admitted their involvement in the death of Lord Shaftesbury and the French authorities decided to charge both her and her brother with the crime of premeditated murder.<ref name="guardian2006"/> |
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==== Magistrate's investigative report ==== |
==== Magistrate's investigative report ==== |
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The trial began with a presentation of the investigative report, which was read to the court by Jean-Louis Moreau, the state prosecutor. |
The trial began with a presentation of the investigative report, which was read to the court by Jean-Louis Moreau, the state prosecutor. The report described Shaftesbury's widow as "an escort girl who loved the high life" who "chose the life of a kept woman, with multiple affairs with men she chose for their bank accounts and their assets".<ref name="guardian1">{{cite news|author=Kim Willsher in Nice |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2007/may/23/ukcrime.topstories3 |title=Opening statements of trial |publisher=Guardian |date= 22 May 2007|accessdate=4 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref> Having struck gold when she married the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury, she then faced "looming financial disaster" in the event of a divorce and set out "consciously and without constraint, to accomplish his assassination".<ref name="guardian1"/> |
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Testimony was presented that in October 2002, Mme M'Barek had convinced the peer that she was pregnant with his child, and as a result, Shaftesbury married her on 5 November 2002. Shaftesbury made out a new will leaving his new wife properties in Ireland and France. Two years later, with no child forthcoming, he began looking elsewhere for affection. When Shaftesbury initiated divorce proceedings, his wife feared losing her valuable inheritance and began to take steps to secure her financial future.<ref name="timesonline1">{{cite news|last=Sage|first=Adam|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article1826844.ece |title=Wife 'lured earl to death at her brother's hands' |publisher=Timesonline.co.uk |date= |
Testimony was presented that in October 2002, Mme M'Barek had convinced the peer that she was pregnant with his child, and as a result, Shaftesbury married her on 5 November 2002. Shaftesbury made out a new will leaving his new wife properties in Ireland and France. Two years later, with no child forthcoming, he began looking elsewhere for affection. When Shaftesbury initiated divorce proceedings, his wife feared losing her valuable inheritance and began to take steps to secure her financial future.<ref name="timesonline1">{{cite news|last=Sage|first=Adam|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article1826844.ece |title=Wife 'lured earl to death at her brother's hands' |publisher=Timesonline.co.uk |date=23 May 2007 |accessdate=24 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article1823959.ece |title=Wife of murdered Earl says marriage 'cursed' |publisher=Timesonline.co.uk |date=22 May 2005 |accessdate=15 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref> |
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Lady Frances Ashley-Cooper testified. "When my brother said he would divorce her, she would not accept". She stated that before the separation, Shaftesbury was convinced by his wife to sell the Versailles flat. Testimony continued, regarding the disappearance of antique furniture and family artifacts. |
Lady Frances Ashley-Cooper testified. "When my brother said he would divorce her, she would not accept". She stated that before the separation, Shaftesbury was convinced by his wife to sell the Versailles flat. Testimony continued, regarding the disappearance of antique furniture and family artifacts. |
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==== Defence statements ==== |
==== Defence statements ==== |
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<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Jamila M'Barek on trial in 2007.jpg|thumb|Jamila M'Barek on trial in France for the murder of her husband, Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 10th Earl of Shaftesbury, 2007]] --> |
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Mme M'Barek discounted the investigative report and stated that her marriage to Shaftesbury "was a curse", describing her husband as "a loner" who "had no friends" which is why "he drank a lot".<ref name="baxter1"/><ref name="telegraph5"/> She portrayed him as a "violent, sex-crazed alcoholic, hooked on cocaine".<ref name="baxter1"/><ref name="telegraph5"/> While she freely admitted that her brother had indeed killed her husband, she testified that it was all an accident.<ref name="baxter1"/><ref name="telegraph5"/> |
Mme M'Barek discounted the investigative report and stated that her marriage to Shaftesbury "was a curse", describing her husband as "a loner" who "had no friends" which is why "he drank a lot".<ref name="baxter1"/><ref name="telegraph5"/> She portrayed him as a "violent, sex-crazed alcoholic, hooked on cocaine".<ref name="baxter1"/><ref name="telegraph5"/> While she freely admitted that her brother had indeed killed her husband, she testified that it was all an accident.<ref name="baxter1"/><ref name="telegraph5"/> |
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<blockquote> |
<blockquote> |
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Line 167: | Line 167: | ||
<p>—Jamila M'Barek</p> |
<p>—Jamila M'Barek</p> |
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</blockquote> |
</blockquote> |
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She further admitted that after her husband was dead, she helped her brother load his body into the |
She further admitted that after her husband was dead, she helped her brother load his body into the boot of his black BMW. She prefaced this admission with additional claims.<ref name="telegraph5"/> |
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<blockquote> |
<blockquote> |
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<p>He forced me to put the body in the [[Trunk (automobile)|boot]] of the car. He forced me to follow him as I thought we were going to a hospital. Then he asked me to go away.<ref name="baxter1"/><ref name="telegraph5"/></p> |
<p>He forced me to put the body in the [[Trunk (automobile)|boot]] of the car. He forced me to follow him as I thought we were going to a hospital. Then he asked me to go away.<ref name="baxter1"/><ref name="telegraph5"/></p> |
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Line 177: | Line 177: | ||
<p>—Mohammed M'Barek</p> |
<p>—Mohammed M'Barek</p> |
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</blockquote> |
</blockquote> |
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<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Mohammed M'Barek on trial in 2007.jpg|thumb|left|Mohammed M'Barek on trial in France<br />for the murder of Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 10th Earl of Shaftesbury, 2007]] --> |
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According to Monsieur M'Barek's account of events, he had been drinking heavily and smoking [[cannabis (drug)|cannabis]] when he was confronted with the "excited and aggressive" 10th Earl of Shaftesbury. A fight then broke out during which he "accidentally" strangled his brother-in-law while attempting to restrain him. Although M'Barek was rather hazy on the details, he testified, "I don't know how it happened. It happened in a minute".<ref name="telegraph5"/> He further stated that he had done everything he could to save the Earl, including [[Cardiopulmonary resuscitation|mouth-to-mouth resuscitation]] and heart massage, but it "was too late. He had left us".<ref name="baxter1"/><ref name="autogenerated6">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6680535.stm |title=Marriage to earl 'was a curse' |publisher=BBC News |date=2007-05-22 |accessdate=2010-07-16}}</ref> |
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Mohammed M'Barek expressed frustration with the French authorities that had kept him "in prison for two-and-a-half years for nothing".<ref name="telegraph5"/> He thought it was an outrage that the French regarded the dumping of an inconveniently dead body in a ravine as a crime. He even went so far as to appeal to the new French president [[Nicolas Sarkozy]] for justice. On the third day of the trial, the courtroom descended into chaos as Monsieur M'Barek burst into tears then jumped to his feet pointing at Shaftesbury's family. He attempted to blame the Ashley-Cooper family for the peer's death, claiming that they were the guilty ones. "You're the guilty ones, you the rich, who want to take his inheritance!"<ref name="everything1"/><ref name="allen2007">{{cite news|last=Allen |first=Peter |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1552492/Murder-suspect-accuses-Earls-family-in-court.html |title=Murder suspect accuses Earl's family in court |publisher=Telegraph |date= |
According to Monsieur M'Barek's account of events, he had been drinking heavily and smoking [[cannabis (drug)|cannabis]] when he was confronted with the "excited and aggressive" 10th Earl of Shaftesbury. A fight then broke out during which he "accidentally" strangled his brother-in-law while attempting to restrain him. Although M'Barek was rather hazy on the details, he testified, "I don't know how it happened. It happened in a minute".<ref name="telegraph5"/> He further stated that he had done everything he could to save the Earl, including [[Cardiopulmonary resuscitation|mouth-to-mouth resuscitation]] and heart massage, but it "was too late. He had left us".<ref name="baxter1"/><ref name="autogenerated6">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6680535.stm |title=Marriage to earl 'was a curse' |publisher=BBC News |date=22 May 2007 |accessdate=16 July 2010}}</ref> |
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Mohammed M'Barek expressed frustration with the French authorities that had kept him "in prison for two-and-a-half years for nothing".<ref name="telegraph5"/> He thought it was an outrage that the French regarded the dumping of an inconveniently dead body in a ravine as a crime. He even went so far as to appeal to the new French president [[Nicolas Sarkozy]] for justice. On the third day of the trial, the courtroom descended into chaos as Monsieur M'Barek burst into tears then jumped to his feet pointing at Shaftesbury's family. He attempted to blame the Ashley-Cooper family for the peer's death, claiming that they were the guilty ones. "You're the guilty ones, you the rich, who want to take his inheritance!"<ref name="everything1"/><ref name="allen2007">{{cite news|last=Allen |first=Peter |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1552492/Murder-suspect-accuses-Earls-family-in-court.html |title=Murder suspect accuses Earl's family in court |publisher=Telegraph |date=24 May 2007 |accessdate=16 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref><ref name="telegraph2007">{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1552254/Scandalous-trial-of-Earl-of-Shaftesburys-killer.html |title='Scandalous' trial of Earl of Shaftesbury's killer|publisher=Telegraph.co.uk |date=22 May 2007 |accessdate=4 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref> he shouted as police wrestled with him in the dock. After refusing requests from his lawyer and the judge to sit down and be quiet, M'Barek was taken down to the cells and the hearing temporarily adjourned.<ref name="everything1"/><ref name="allen2007"/><ref name="telegraph2007"/> |
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The French authorities suspected that there was a conspiracy to murder Shaftesbury, when they discovered that Mme M'Barek transferred €150,000 into her brother's bank account the week following her husband's disappearance. The prosecution viewed this as payment for services rendered, although Mme M'Barek testified that she had given her brother the money in order for him to buy a house for their ailing mother.<ref name="everything1"/><ref name="autogenerated6"/> |
The French authorities suspected that there was a conspiracy to murder Shaftesbury, when they discovered that Mme M'Barek transferred €150,000 into her brother's bank account the week following her husband's disappearance. The prosecution viewed this as payment for services rendered, although Mme M'Barek testified that she had given her brother the money in order for him to buy a house for their ailing mother.<ref name="everything1"/><ref name="autogenerated6"/> |
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In her defence, Mme M'Barek denied any financial motive in wishing her husband dead and claimed that she had no need of his fortune, stating that she had "always been prosperous".<ref name="autogenerated6"/> She testified that the source of her prosperity was the generosity of wealthy individuals who were prepared to pay for her company. She named three prominent celebrities as her former clients.<ref name="telegraph5"/> All three individuals denied ever meeting Jamila M'Barek and declined to attend court to comment on her allegations or serve as character witnesses.<ref>{{cite news|last=Allen |first=Peter |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1552226/Peers-widow-asks-stars-to-defend-her-in-court.html |title=Peer's widow asks stars to defend her in court |publisher=Telegraph |date= |
In her defence, Mme M'Barek denied any financial motive in wishing her husband dead and claimed that she had no need of his fortune, stating that she had "always been prosperous".<ref name="autogenerated6"/> She testified that the source of her prosperity was the generosity of wealthy individuals who were prepared to pay for her company. She named three prominent celebrities as her former clients.<ref name="telegraph5"/> All three individuals denied ever meeting Jamila M'Barek and declined to attend court to comment on her allegations or serve as character witnesses.<ref>{{cite news|last=Allen |first=Peter |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1552226/Peers-widow-asks-stars-to-defend-her-in-court.html |title=Peer's widow asks stars to defend her in court |publisher=Telegraph |date=21 May 2007 |accessdate=16 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref> |
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Mme M'Barek further stated that the arguments she had with her husband had nothing to do with money, but rather arose as a result of Lord Shaftesbury's excessive sexual demands brought on by his seemingly endless injections of [[testosterone]].<ref name="everything1 |
Mme M'Barek further stated that the arguments she had with her husband had nothing to do with money, but rather arose as a result of Lord Shaftesbury's excessive sexual demands brought on by his seemingly endless injections of [[testosterone]].<ref name="everything1"/> |
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==== Conviction and sentencing ==== |
==== Conviction and sentencing ==== |
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[[File:Ashley-Cooper press conference 2007.jpg|thumb|Ashley-Cooper family press conference; left to right: Lady Frances Ashley-Cooper; Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, 12th Earl of Shaftesbury; and Christina, Countess of Shaftesbury, 2007]] |
[[File:Ashley-Cooper press conference 2007.jpg|thumb|Ashley-Cooper family press conference; left to right: Lady Frances Ashley-Cooper; Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, 12th Earl of Shaftesbury; and Christina, Countess of Shaftesbury, 2007]] |
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The strongest piece of evidence presented by the prosecution were details revealed in a secretly recorded telephone conversation between the defendant and her sister, Naima, in which LMme M'Barek discussed £100,000 (€150,000) [[Contract killing|blood money]] paid to her brother. She additionally recounted precisely how she was going to blame her brother for her husband's death.<ref name="telegraph5"/><ref name="guardian2007">{{cite news|author=Kim Willsher in Nice |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2007/may/23/ukcrime.topstories3 |title=Death of the lord who liked bats, birds and brothels |publisher=Guardian |date= |
The strongest piece of evidence presented by the prosecution were details revealed in a secretly recorded telephone conversation between the defendant and her sister, Naima, in which LMme M'Barek discussed £100,000 (€150,000) [[Contract killing|blood money]] paid to her brother. She additionally recounted precisely how she was going to blame her brother for her husband's death.<ref name="telegraph5"/><ref name="guardian2007">{{cite news|author=Kim Willsher in Nice |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2007/may/23/ukcrime.topstories3 |title=Death of the lord who liked bats, birds and brothels |publisher=Guardian |date= 22 May 2007|accessdate=4 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref><ref name="telegraph7">{{cite news|last=Samuel |first=Henry |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1577943/Earl-of-Shaftesburys-killer-wants-to-apologise.html |title=Earl of Shaftesbury's killer 'wants to apologise' |publisher=Telegraph |date=7 February 2008 |accessdate=17 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref> |
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The wire tap also uncovered the truth about Mme M'Barek's visit to the remote spot where her husband's body was found. This was supported when [[download]]ed records from the [[Global Positioning System navigation device|GPS]] tracking device in her cellphone provided details that she (or at least her cellphone) had been there two days prior to Shaftesbury's death.<ref name="telegraph5"/><ref name="guardian2007"/><ref name="telegraph7"/> |
The wire tap also uncovered the truth about Mme M'Barek's visit to the remote spot where her husband's body was found. This was supported when [[download]]ed records from the [[Global Positioning System navigation device|GPS]] tracking device in her cellphone provided details that she (or at least her cellphone) had been there two days prior to Shaftesbury's death.<ref name="telegraph5"/><ref name="guardian2007"/><ref name="telegraph7"/> |
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On 25 May 2007, after deliberating for two hours, the jury returned guilty verdicts against both brother and sister. Mme M'Barek and her brother were each sentenced to 25 years in prison. Under French law, they each have an automatic right to appeal their conviction, which results in a retrial of the case.<ref name="everything1"/> |
On 25 May 2007, after deliberating for two hours, the jury returned guilty verdicts against both brother and sister. Mme M'Barek and her brother were each sentenced to 25 years in prison. Under French law, they each have an automatic right to appeal their conviction, which results in a retrial of the case.<ref name="everything1"/> |
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After the trial, Mohammed M'Barek was admitted to a psychiatric ward. His initial plans to appeal have been dropped. On appeal by his sister, the court was informed that he was in an "incoherent and mostly delirious state" and would be unable to testify on either his behalf or on the behalf of his sister.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Lord%27s+widow+appeals+murder+conviction-a01611786403 |title=M'Barek appeals conviction |publisher=Thefreelibrary.com |date=2009 |
After the trial, Mohammed M'Barek was admitted to a psychiatric ward. His initial plans to appeal have been dropped. On appeal by his sister, the court was informed that he was in an "incoherent and mostly delirious state" and would be unable to testify on either his behalf or on the behalf of his sister.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Lord%27s+widow+appeals+murder+conviction-a01611786403 |title=M'Barek appeals conviction |publisher=Thefreelibrary.com |date=4 February 2009 |accessdate=4 July 2010}}</ref> |
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On 4 February 2009, Mme M'Barek appeared in a court in southern France to appeal her conviction. After the jury deliberated for four hours, her sentence was reduced from 25 to 20 years at a court of appeal in |
On 4 February 2009, Mme M'Barek appeared in a court in southern France to appeal her conviction. After the jury deliberated for four hours, her sentence was reduced from 25 to 20 years at a court of appeal in [[Aix-en-Provence]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20090212-shaftesbury-widows-sentence-cut-20-years-appeal- |title=Sentence reduced |publisher=France24.com |date=13 February 2009 |accessdate=5 July 2010}}</ref> |
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With all appeals exhausted, the late peer's son, Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, 12th Earl of Shaftesbury, expressed his relief at the verdict and said he could now get on with his life after closing a "very painful chapter".<ref>{{Cite web|author=(AFP) – |
With all appeals exhausted, the late peer's son, Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, 12th Earl of Shaftesbury, expressed his relief at the verdict and said he could now get on with his life after closing a "very painful chapter".<ref>{{Cite web|author=(AFP) – 12 February 2009 |url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hMtSkTiMCMwaQ7NtXj67sSkLSxDQ |title=Response from Nicholas regarding appeal verdict |publisher=Google.com |date=12 February 2009 |accessdate=5 July 2010}}</ref> |
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== Funeral and burial == |
== Funeral and burial == |
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On 30 September 2005, funeral services were held for Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 10th Earl of Shaftesbury. Hundreds of mourners were in attendance, held at the parish church in Wimborne St Giles. Those in attendance included Shaftesbury's second wife, Christina, Countess of Shaftesbury; his son, Nicholas Ashley-Cooper; and his sister, Lady Frances Ashley-Cooper.<ref name="thisisdorset2005">{{Cite web|url=http://archive.thisisdorset.net/2005/10/1/111414.html |title=Slain earl laid to rest alongside son |publisher=Archive.thisisdorset.net |date=2005 |
On 30 September 2005, funeral services were held for Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 10th Earl of Shaftesbury. Hundreds of mourners were in attendance, held at the parish church in Wimborne St Giles. Those in attendance included Shaftesbury's second wife, Christina, Countess of Shaftesbury; his son, Nicholas Ashley-Cooper; and his sister, Lady Frances Ashley-Cooper.<ref name="thisisdorset2005">{{Cite web|url=http://archive.thisisdorset.net/2005/10/1/111414.html |title=Slain earl laid to rest alongside son |publisher=Archive.thisisdorset.net |date=1 October 2005 |accessdate=16 July 2010}}</ref> |
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Charles Palmer-Tomkinson read from [[Khalil Gibran]]'s ''[[The Prophet (book)|The Prophet]]'', while Shaftesbury's sister read from ''For These Once Mine'', by [[George Santayana]]. "[[Prayer of Saint Francis|The Prayer of St Francis of Assisi]]" was read by Shaftesbury's son, Nicholas, who inherited the title of 12th Earl of Shaftesbury in 2005.<ref name="thisisdorset2005"/> |
Charles Palmer-Tomkinson read from [[Khalil Gibran]]'s ''[[The Prophet (book)|The Prophet]]'', while Shaftesbury's sister read from ''For These Once Mine'', by [[George Santayana]]. "[[Prayer of Saint Francis|The Prayer of St Francis of Assisi]]" was read by Shaftesbury's son, Nicholas, who inherited the title of 12th Earl of Shaftesbury in 2005.<ref name="thisisdorset2005"/> |
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After the 45-minute service, Shaftesbury's ashes were taken to the church and placed in the family crypt in Wimborne St Giles. He was buried next to his eldest son, Anthony Nils Christian Ashley-Cooper, 11th Earl of Shaftesbury, who died on 15 May 2005, six months after his father.<ref name="thisisdorset2005"/> Reverend David Paskins, parish priest said after the ceremony, "It was a very inspiring occasion. They have had a very difficult time and have borne it with great dignity and fortitude".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/4295040.stm |title=Funeral for Earl killed in France|publisher=BBC News |date= |
After the 45-minute service, Shaftesbury's ashes were taken to the church and placed in the family crypt in Wimborne St Giles. He was buried next to his eldest son, Anthony Nils Christian Ashley-Cooper, 11th Earl of Shaftesbury, who died on 15 May 2005, six months after his father.<ref name="thisisdorset2005"/> Reverend David Paskins, parish priest said after the ceremony, "It was a very inspiring occasion. They have had a very difficult time and have borne it with great dignity and fortitude".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/4295040.stm |title=Funeral for Earl killed in France|publisher=BBC News |date=30 September 2005 |accessdate=5 July 2010}}</ref> |
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== References == |
== References == |
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|ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Atty; Shaftesbury |
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Atty; Shaftesbury |
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|SHORT DESCRIPTION = 10th Earl of Shaftesbury |
|SHORT DESCRIPTION = 10th Earl of Shaftesbury |
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|DATE OF BIRTH = |
|DATE OF BIRTH = 22 May 1938 |
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|PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Greater London]], England |
|PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Greater London]], England |
||
|DATE OF DEATH = c. |
|DATE OF DEATH = c. 5 November 2004 |
||
|PLACE OF DEATH = [[Cannes]], Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France |
|PLACE OF DEATH = [[Cannes]], Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France |
||
}} |
}} |
Revision as of 18:08, 15 January 2014
The Earl of Shaftesbury | |
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Tenure | 1961–2004 |
Predecessor | Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 9th Earl of Shaftesbury |
Successor | Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 11th Earl of Shaftesbury |
Other titles | Baron Ashley of Wimborne St Giles, Baron Cooper of Pawlett |
Known for | Philanthropy; conservation |
Born | Anthony Ashley-Cooper 22 May 1938 Greater London, England |
Died | 5 November 2004 Cannes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France | (aged 66)
Cause of death | Asphyxiation |
Body discovered | Théoule-sur-Mer, Alpes-Maritime, France |
Buried | Parish Church at Wimborne St Giles |
Residence | Nice, France; St Giles House in Wimborne St Giles |
Spouse(s) | Bianca de Paolis Christina Montan Jamila M'Barek |
Issue | Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 11th Earl of Shaftesbury Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, 12th Earl of Shaftesbury |
Father | Major Lord Anthony Ashley-Cooper |
Mother | Françoise Soulier |
Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 10th Earl of Shaftesbury (22 May 1938 – c. 5 November 2004), styled Lord Ashley between 1947 and 1961, and Earl of Shaftesbury from 1961 until his death, was a British peer from Wimborne St Giles, Dorset, located in South West England. He was the son of Major Anthony Ashley-Cooper, Lord Ashley, and Françoise Soulier.[1]
Ashley-Cooper was the grandson of Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 9th Earl of Shaftesbury. Ashley-Cooper's father was the heir apparent to the earldom and its subsidiary titles, but he predeceased his father. His death made his son next in the line of succession. When his grandfather died in 1961, Ashley-Cooper became the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury, Baron Ashley of Wimborne St Giles and Baron Cooper of Pawlett.
The 10th Earl of Shaftesbury was a wealthy landowner of over 9,000 acres (3,600 ha) in East Dorset, and received honours and awards for his philanthropic and conservationist work, which included planting over a million trees in South West England.[2] He served as president of the Shaftesbury Society, pursuing the same goals of his second great grandfather, the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, who had founded the organization as Ragged Schools in 1840. He also served as the vice president of Sir David Attenborough's British Butterfly Conservation Society.[3]
In November 2004, the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury went missing while in France, prompting an international police investigation. His remains were found at the bottom of a remote ravine in the foothills of the French Alps five months after his death. Investigations revealed that he was murdered by his brother-in-law during an argument regarding a divorce from his wife, Jamila M'Barek, both of whom were convicted of his murder.
Education and early years
Anthony Ashley-Cooper was born on 22 May 1938 in Greater London, England. He was named after his father, as was tradition for firstborn sons in the Ashley-Cooper family. His father, Major Anthony Ashley-Cooper, Lord Ashley, was the firstborn son of the 9th Earl of Shaftesbury. Notable among his ancestors were his seventh great grandfather, the 1st Earl of Shaftesbury and leader of the Whig party in Parliament; and his second great grandfather, the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury and 19th-century evangelical social reformer, who was honoured with the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain in London's Piccadilly Circus.[4]
During World War II, Ashley-Cooper's father served as a British Intelligence Officer with the Auxiliary Units, which were highly covert Resistance groups trained to engage and counteract the expected invasion of the United Kingdom by Nazi Germany. Members of the Auxiliary Unit were stationed in hidden bunkers scattered throughout Great Britain. While Major Lord Ashley was trained at Coleshill House near Highworth, Wiltshire, he was responsible for the command of Dorset and Somerset. Specific details regarding his assignments and operations remain classified.[5][6]
Ashley-Cooper's mother was the French-born Françoise Soulier, daughter of Georges Soulier of Caudebec-en-Caux, France. Major Lord Ashley and Françoise remained married until his death in 1947. Anthony's younger sister was Lady Frances Mary Elizabeth Ashley-Cooper (born 9 April 1940).
Ashley-Cooper was educated at Eton and Christ Church, Oxford. As a child, his primary pursuits outside of getting an education, included mountain climbing and skiing. He also expressed a love of music, which continued into adulthood with his service as chairman of the London Philharmonic Orchestra from 1966 to 1980.[3] On 8 March 1947, his father died unexpectedly of a heart disease and Ashley-Cooper became heir to the titles held by his grandfather and acquired the courtesy title of Lord Ashley.
Lord Ashley's mother decided to move back to her native France with the children. In August 1947, she remarried Col François Goussault and the newly formed family settled in Paris.[7] The children spent the next few years shuttling across the English Channel to their boarding schools, Eton for Lord Ashley and Heathfield School in Ascot for his sister, Frances. Holidays were alternately spent in France or with their grandparents at the Manor House in Wimborne St Giles.[8] Lord Ashley was 22 years old when he succeeded his grandfather.
The 9th Earl of Shaftesbury, prior to his death, invested and arranged financial matters so that his heirs would avoid death duties. When his grandfather died, the newly titled 10th Earl of Shaftesbury came into a vast fortune of the Shaftesbury estates and other properties, including the family's 17th-century home and large estate in Dorset, as well as residences in Hove, London, Versailles and the French Riviera.[9] Shaftesbury also inherited a collection of art, antiques, and other valuables worth over £3m. By the 1990s, the wealth of the family estate remained well worth millions.[3][10][11]
St Giles House
The Shaftesbury estate in East Dorset is the home base and centre of business of the Ashley-Coopers. In addition to St Giles House, the family owns a large estate, including over 9,000 acres (3,600 ha), along with property, land, and loughs, that establishes them as one of the wealthiest families in the United Kingdom.[1]
The Ashleys and Ashley-Coopers have made Wimborne St Giles their home since the 15th century. The small village of Wimborne St Giles rests within the family estate itself. The Ashley family arrived in Dorset, originally from Wiltshire, where they owned the manor of Ashley, since the 11th century. The first ancestor to reside in Wimborne St Giles was Robert Ashley (born c. 1415), fifth great grandfather of Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury.[12][13]
Built in 1651, the family seat of St Giles House was unoccupied for many years following the death of the 9th Earl of Shaftesbury, and fell into disrepair apart from one wing used as the estate office.[14] In 2001 it was recorded on the Register of Buildings at Risk, as a Grade I listed building, indicating neglect and decay. Buildings recorded on the Grade I list include those of "exceptional interest, sometimes considered to be internationally important".[15] Following extensive repairs, in 2012 the house was reoccupied by the 12th Earl of Shaftesbury and his family.[16]
Conservation and philanthropy
Shaftesbury received honours and awards for his conservationist work.[2] He planted more than a million trees on his 9,000-acre (3,600 ha) estate at Wimborne St Giles, Dorset. His generosity extended to the family's property in Ulster. In 1992, he was the joint winner of the Royal Forestry Society's National Duke of Cornwall Award for Forestry and Conservation, presented by Charles, Prince of Wales. He also served as president of the Hawk and Owl Trust and as vice president of Sir David Attenborough's British Butterfly Conservation Society. According to Philip Rymer, manager of the Shaftesbury Estates, the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury had also put quite a bit of energy into trying to save an endangered species of bat.[3]
Shaftesbury served as president of the Shaftesbury Society, which the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury had founded as Ragged Schools in 1840. The charity provides free education, as well as food, clothing, lodging and other home missionary services for those too poor to pay. In 2007, the Shaftesbury Society was merged with John Grooms Crippleage, reorganising under the new name of Livability.
The benevolence of the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury also extended to the ownership and use of Lough Neagh, which is the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles and ranks among the 40 largest lakes of Europe. Five of the six counties of Northern Ireland have shores on the lough (only County Fermanagh does not), and its area is split among them. The lake is the source of 40 percent of Northern Ireland's drinking water.[17] While this ownership could feasibly increase the financial outlook of the family estate, at Shaftesbury's insistence, water continues to be extracted from the lough at no charge to either the citizens or civic government of Northern Ireland.[18]
House of Lords speech
Although a member of the House of Lords, until the passage of the House of Lords Act in 1999, the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury rarely attended. His maiden speech was made on 10 November 1999. At this time, Shaftesbury made an eight-minute presentation in a debate regarding arts and sport, a portion of which is presented below.[19]
The Earl of Clancarty rose to ask Her Majesty's Government how they believe the arts and sport relate to the issue of "social exclusion".
7 p.m. The Earl of Shaftesbury
- My Lords, I apologise to noble Lords for this dramatic last-minute but not opportunistic maiden speech. Although I inherited my title 30 years ago and have attended spasmodically, particularly during the early 1970s when we rigorously debated the Industrial Relations Bill and the European Community Bill of Accession, both in Committee and on Report until extremely late at night, my heart has not entirely been in the thrust and cut of politics, unlike my more distinguished ancestors.
- In fact, building a society the Shaftesbury way is not a matter of imprisoning a presumed evil spirit of mankind. It is a matter of beauty and truth. Both Goethe and Voltaire were influenced by the 3rd Lord Shaftesbury. The former particularly reminded us that we must cultivate our garden. We all know about large prize-winning marrows, but are not succulent baby courgettes more perfect? Small is beautiful too...
- One of the best sermons I have ever been privileged to hear was by the late Bishop of Winchester. Social exclusion? He said virtually that if one sheep from a flock of 100 goes missing, the good shepherd worries frantically about that single sheep until it is safely found. There are too many sheep, men, women and children, being marginalised. John the Baptist had the answer: why do we not? I remain concerned in these turbulent times, but thank you for your patience. It has been my privilege to be able to speak in your Lordships' House.
Marriages and children
Shaftesbury was married three times. He expressed his attraction to foreign women. At Eton, he wrote an article for the college magazine in which he described English debutantes as "round-shouldered, unsophisticated garglers of pink champagne".[2][3] His three marriages and scattered relationships with foreign women throughout his life reflected his earlier opinions of English women.
Bianca Maria de Paolis
Shaftesbury met his Italian-born first wife, Bianca de Paolis, during a skiing holiday.[2] They married in July 1966.[20] Bianca Maria de Paolis (born c. 1926), was the daughter of Gino de Paolis, a Roman banker. She had previously been married to the American film producer, Jack Le Vien. Shaftesbury and de Paolis were declared husband and wife at the Westminster Registry Office in front of a few friends, with none of his family in attendance. They divorced 10 years later, on grounds of his adultery with an unnamed woman. The couple had no children.[21]
The former Countess Shaftesbury, who used the name Contessa Bianca Shaftesbury, released her memoirs in 2008, entitled, A Life on Fire.[22][23] She died on 16 March 2013, in Milan, Italy. The funeral was held on 18 March 2013 at the church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli in Piazza del Popolo.[24][25]
Christina Eva Montan
In December 1976, Shaftesbury married the Swedish-born, Christina Eva Montan (born c. 1940). Styled Countess Shaftesbury since their marriage, she was the daughter of Nils Montan, the former Swedish Ambassador to Germany. Lady Shaftesbury was also a divorcée with a son and daughter from her first marriage, the half siblings of the 11th and 12th Earls of Shaftesbury. Frederic Casella is a television producer and director in Great Britain, while his sister, Cecilia is an attorney living in New York City.[26] Shaftesbury and his second wife had two sons:
- Anthony Nils Christian Ashley-Cooper, 11th Earl of Shaftesbury (24 June 1977 – 15 May 2005), first-born son of the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury and his wife. He died of a heart attack in Manhattan, New York while visiting his younger brother, Nicholas and older half-siblings Frederic and Cecilia.[27]
- Nicholas Edmund Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 12th Earl of Shaftesbury (born 3 June 1979), a former DJ and house music promoter in New York and Privilege in Ibiza, Spain. A short time following his brother's death, Nicholas relocated to the family seat at Wimborne St Giles, returned to business school for a couple of years, and assumed the responsibilities of the earldom. He has shown an interest in supporting charitable organisations, primarily those addressing the needs of children with disabilities. In December 2009, Nicholas suffered serious spinal injuries in a horse riding accident. He crushed his vertebrae in the fall. While he experienced initial paralysis necessitating the use of a wheelchair, physical therapy has helped restore his health to the point where he is able to walk, with limitations. With continued rehabilitation, doctors expect a full recovery.[27]
The second marriage of Shaftesbury was more successful than the first, producing two children. The 1999 death of his mother, however, had a profound effect on Shaftesbury, affecting his relationship with his wife and children.[2] Lady Frances Ashley-Cooper, sister of the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury stated the following.
In August 1999, our mother had died of cancer in tragic circumstances while we were all enjoying ourselves at my eldest son's wedding. For my brother, her death was a catastrophe. He adored her. She had been his protector and greatest admirer since the death of our father in 1947, when Anthony was eight and I was six. When our mother died, it was as though my brother had become an orphan at age 61. Without her, he felt emotionally bereft. He lost his grip on reality. At one point, he had bought a flat in Versailles, and had entirely recreated two rooms from our late mother's house. He had used all the furniture, books and knick-knacks of our childhood in Paris. It was a bit much.[8]
—Lady Frances Ashley-Cooper
In 2000, Shaftesbury unexpectedly moved out of the Manor House and divorced his wife.[2] He left his former wife in charge and passed the running of the estate to his 23-year-old son, Anthony. Christina, Countess of Shaftesbury, and their sons remained in residence in Wimborne St Giles, while the Earl relocated to France,[8] embarking on a string of short-lived and expensive love affairs with younger women distinguished by their exotic looks and equally colorful past histories.
Shaftesbury had an apartment in Versailles, (furnished with £3m worth of antique art and furniture) but spent much of his time on the Cote d'Azur where he enjoyed a social life fueled by drugs and alcohol. His wealth attracted a variety of individuals, willing and ready to take advantage of his generosity. A friend described him as becoming a "philanthropist who specialised in rescuing lap dancers" while his French lawyer, Thierry Bensaude, more diplomatically referred to him as "a philosophical adventurer in society".[11]
In early 2002, an article in the Daily Telegraph described the 63-year-old lord, "dressed in leather trousers and open-necked, pink silk shirts, with a gold chain draped around his neck".[28] Shaftesbury had fallen hard for a 29-year-old French model named Nathalie Lions.[28] In 2006, an article in the Guardian wrote of his relationship with Lions, with whom he would be found "frolicking at Bellini's bar in Kensington, where he liberally wrote cheques and Lions spent them".[8] He refused to listen to others who warned him that she was taking advantage of him. They toured the party spots of London, Barbados, and the Riviera until a tabloid exposé revealed Lions' past as a "Penthouse Pet" for Penthouse magazine and Shaftesbury called off the relationship.[8] Rather than return to England, he remained on the French Riviera.
Jamila Ben M'Barek
The 10th Earl of Shaftesbury became a familiar figure in some of the nightspots on the French Riviera. He was known for his black leather trousers, pink shirts, and large red and black eyeglasses. He had a habit of flashing his money around as he bought drinks for a wide variety of female companions.[3] At one such establishment on the Riviera, he met Jamila Ben M'Barek (born c. 1961), a divorcée and the mother of two children from a previous relationship. She was one of seven children born in Paris to a Tunisian mother and Moroccan father.[29] In 1993, M'Barek had posed naked in Playboy, but it did not cause alarm. They were married on 5 November 2002, at Hilversum in the Netherlands.[3]
To the disappointment of his family, he became infatuated with M'Barek, buying her a flat in Cannes for £500,000 and transferring other properties into her name after they married.[30]
By April 2004, the couple were separated when Lord Shaftesbury started a new relationship with a young mother of two named Nadia Orche, who has been described as a "club hostess from Cannes" and a "Moroccan prostitute".[31] The difference in their ages did not bother her. She described him as "an attentive and generous man".[28] According to Orche, Shaftesbury was planning to marry her after getting a divorce from his third wife.[3][31][32]
Disappearance and murder
On 3 November 2004, Shaftesbury arrived in Nice, France, scheduled to meet with his estranged wife. On 4 November, he visited her at her home on Avenue Mareschal Koenig. He later checked into the £130-a-night, four-star Noga Hilton on the Cannes seafront. The following day, after checking out of the hotel, Shaftesbury vanished without a trace. From that point forward, the whereabouts of the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury were unknown until April of the following year.[33][34]
Friends and family become concerned
It was normal for Shaftesbury to occasionally disappear for a few days from time to time, so no one, other than his girlfriend was initially concerned with his disappearance. "Anthony didn’t answer his telephone anymore. I was worried," she says, "I called again. I called England. This wasn’t like him. I was sure that something bad had happened."[35]
On 15 November 2004, Shaftesbury's Nice-based lawyer, Thierry Bensaude reported him missing, after being contacted by his girlfriend, Orche. The peer divided his time between the Riviera and a home in Hove, East Sussex. He had been due to return home on 10 November.[34][36] After not hearing from Shaftesbury in a week, they remained concerned when he failed to return to his rented flat in Adelaide Crescent, Hove. Bensaude and Orche both expressed fears for his safety. Shaftesbury had been taking legal action in relation to the theft of some family antiques and artwork. Some friends and acquaintances mentioned that he had complained of money problems, so they surmised that his disappearance may have had something to do with the theft and financial loss.[31][33]
On 18 November, the French police publicly appealed for information leading to Shaftesbury's whereabouts and on 22 November, they opened a formal criminal inquiry. Anthony Nils, eldest son of the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury was regularly in touch with the police following his father's disappearance, and travelled to Nice to confer with French authorities there. The Rev David Paskins of the Wimborne St Giles parish church said, "Everyone is anxious and concerned — it's the unknown that is worrying. Lady Shaftesbury [Christina] is very concerned."[37]
Theories on Shaftesbury's whereabouts
Family and concerned individuals initially feared that the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury had been kidnapped by Russian or North African gangsters who were plotting to steal his fortune. Thierry Bensaude stated that Shaftesbury is "extremely generous to his friends and may have been taken advantage of".[38] His wife claimed that she had warned her husband about the company he was keeping. The theory was that some of his more disreputable acquaintances had decided to kidnap the peer and were now engaged in some scheme to force him into signing away part of his inherited wealth.
Commander Brunache said, "We took the case very seriously. There were a number of possible explanations for his disappearance.
He could have decided to disappear, a suicide, or he could have been the victim of a crime. There were several possibilities and we were exploring all of them."[35]
Within a month of Shaftesbury's disappearance, Detective Chief Superintendent Graham Cox, head of Sussex Police CID, who had been contacted by Lady Frances Ashley-Cooper, said that they were treating the matter as a murder case. The French police agreed with Cox, due to the lack of ransom demands or signs of fraud. Whether dead or alive, there were still no clues as to the whereabouts of the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury.[37][39]
Confession and arrest
In February 2005, his wife Jamila M'Barek was admitted to a psychiatric hospital, where she had an emotional breakdown and began confessing to her involvement in her husband's death. When interviewed by police, she claimed that Shaftesbury had been beaten to death by her brother during a fight at her flat in Cannes.[9]
Shaftesbury and his third wife had separated in April 2004 and divorce proceedings had been set in motion. By that time, he had given her a windmill in the Gers region of southwestern France, the €700,000 duplex in a villa in Cannes, which included staff, a 4x4 car, and a monthly allowance, ranging between €7,500 and €10,000. Shaftesbury wanted to end this arrangement and the marriage, so that he could marry his new girlfriend. While Shaftesbury was discussing his desire with his wife, a fight broke out between him and his wife's brother, Mohammed M'Barek. Lord Shaftesbury died during the fight, when Mohammed strangled him, breaking his neck.[8]
According to Jamila M'Barek, her brother placed her husband's body in the boot of his BMW and dumped it in an unknown place. She was arrested on 25 February 2005 and her brother was arrested by German police the following day at his home in Munich. He was later extradited to France, continuing to deny his involvement and knowledge of the location of Lord Shaftesbury's body.[8]
On 7 April 2005, a body in an advanced state of decomposition was discovered by the French authorities in a valley at Théoule-sur-Mer, Alpes-Maritimes on the outskirts of Cannes. The police were led to the area by examining the last-known signal from Lord Shaftesbury's cellphone records. After a two-day search, they found a decomposed body that had been partly eaten by animals, hidden in the undergrowth next to the riverbed. A French police spokesman announced, "As far as we are concerned, there is absolutely no doubt it is him."[40] This belief was confirmed through DNA testing on 18 April 2005.[9][40]
In June 2006, pre-trial proceedings began in Grasse, before the investigating Magistrate, Catherine Bonnici. The proceedings were part of the French investigative process that is used to determine whether prosecutors have enough evidence to send a case to trial. During the first week of June, the court travelled to the site where the peer's body was found. Mohamed M'Barek was transported in leg chains for the one-day reenactment. Once they arrived, M'Barek demonstrated that he had enough strength to have acted alone. He managed to lift a 182 lb (83 kg). dummy — the same weight as Shaftesbury's body — out of the boot of a car and dump it down a ravine.[41][42][43]
Jamila M'Barek told the court that she was not with her brother when he disposed of the body, and in fact, she stated that she had never been to the site. She claimed that she had no role in the killing other than helping her brother, under duress, load the body into his car. She told investigators, "I did not want him to die. I just wanted my brother to intimidate him so that he would continue to pay me my allowance. But he didn't want to have anything to do with it, so a violent quarrel broke out. I left the room because I could not stand to see what was happening".[41][44]
Trial at the Palais de Justice
On 22 May 2007, the trial of Jamila M'Barek and Mohamed M'Barek opened at the Palais de Justice in Nice, two-and-a-half years after the death of the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury. The presiding judge of the jury trial was Nicole Besset, with Jean-Louis Moreau serving as the state prosecutor. Shaftesbury's widow was represented by attorney Franck De Vita, while her brother was represented by Melanie Juginger. The Ashley-Cooper family was represented by attorney Philippe Soussi.[42][45][46] A forensic examination of the skeletal remains revealed injuries including a broken ankle, and a double fracture to the larynx which indicated strangulation as the cause of death. At times, both Mme M'Barek and her brother admitted their involvement in the death of Lord Shaftesbury and the French authorities decided to charge both her and her brother with the crime of premeditated murder.[8]
Magistrate's investigative report
The trial began with a presentation of the investigative report, which was read to the court by Jean-Louis Moreau, the state prosecutor. The report described Shaftesbury's widow as "an escort girl who loved the high life" who "chose the life of a kept woman, with multiple affairs with men she chose for their bank accounts and their assets".[47] Having struck gold when she married the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury, she then faced "looming financial disaster" in the event of a divorce and set out "consciously and without constraint, to accomplish his assassination".[47]
Testimony was presented that in October 2002, Mme M'Barek had convinced the peer that she was pregnant with his child, and as a result, Shaftesbury married her on 5 November 2002. Shaftesbury made out a new will leaving his new wife properties in Ireland and France. Two years later, with no child forthcoming, he began looking elsewhere for affection. When Shaftesbury initiated divorce proceedings, his wife feared losing her valuable inheritance and began to take steps to secure her financial future.[42][48]
Lady Frances Ashley-Cooper testified. "When my brother said he would divorce her, she would not accept". She stated that before the separation, Shaftesbury was convinced by his wife to sell the Versailles flat. Testimony continued, regarding the disappearance of antique furniture and family artifacts.
[Jamila] and Mohammed arranged to empty the flat and when my brother asked where his mother's furniture had gone to, she said it was on a boat to Tunisia where it was going to be sold. My brother was distraught. This was cruel emotional blackmail. In fact, the furniture was in storage in Cannes, but my brother never knew that. I have just managed to get hold of the key.[8]
—Lady Frances Ashley-Cooper
Defence statements
Mme M'Barek discounted the investigative report and stated that her marriage to Shaftesbury "was a curse", describing her husband as "a loner" who "had no friends" which is why "he drank a lot".[26][29] She portrayed him as a "violent, sex-crazed alcoholic, hooked on cocaine".[26][29] While she freely admitted that her brother had indeed killed her husband, she testified that it was all an accident.[26][29]
There was blood on the floor. I did not know if it was my brother or my husband's blood. My brother could not believe my husband was dead.[26][29]
—Jamila M'Barek
She further admitted that after her husband was dead, she helped her brother load his body into the boot of his black BMW. She prefaced this admission with additional claims.[29]
He forced me to put the body in the boot of the car. He forced me to follow him as I thought we were going to a hospital. Then he asked me to go away.[26][29]
—Jamila M'Barek
Her brother Mohammed M'Barek presented a similar defence.
I am innocent, my sister is innocent. It was an accident.[26]
—Mohammed M'Barek
According to Monsieur M'Barek's account of events, he had been drinking heavily and smoking cannabis when he was confronted with the "excited and aggressive" 10th Earl of Shaftesbury. A fight then broke out during which he "accidentally" strangled his brother-in-law while attempting to restrain him. Although M'Barek was rather hazy on the details, he testified, "I don't know how it happened. It happened in a minute".[29] He further stated that he had done everything he could to save the Earl, including mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and heart massage, but it "was too late. He had left us".[26][49]
Mohammed M'Barek expressed frustration with the French authorities that had kept him "in prison for two-and-a-half years for nothing".[29] He thought it was an outrage that the French regarded the dumping of an inconveniently dead body in a ravine as a crime. He even went so far as to appeal to the new French president Nicolas Sarkozy for justice. On the third day of the trial, the courtroom descended into chaos as Monsieur M'Barek burst into tears then jumped to his feet pointing at Shaftesbury's family. He attempted to blame the Ashley-Cooper family for the peer's death, claiming that they were the guilty ones. "You're the guilty ones, you the rich, who want to take his inheritance!"[38][50][51] he shouted as police wrestled with him in the dock. After refusing requests from his lawyer and the judge to sit down and be quiet, M'Barek was taken down to the cells and the hearing temporarily adjourned.[38][50][51]
The French authorities suspected that there was a conspiracy to murder Shaftesbury, when they discovered that Mme M'Barek transferred €150,000 into her brother's bank account the week following her husband's disappearance. The prosecution viewed this as payment for services rendered, although Mme M'Barek testified that she had given her brother the money in order for him to buy a house for their ailing mother.[38][49]
In her defence, Mme M'Barek denied any financial motive in wishing her husband dead and claimed that she had no need of his fortune, stating that she had "always been prosperous".[49] She testified that the source of her prosperity was the generosity of wealthy individuals who were prepared to pay for her company. She named three prominent celebrities as her former clients.[29] All three individuals denied ever meeting Jamila M'Barek and declined to attend court to comment on her allegations or serve as character witnesses.[52]
Mme M'Barek further stated that the arguments she had with her husband had nothing to do with money, but rather arose as a result of Lord Shaftesbury's excessive sexual demands brought on by his seemingly endless injections of testosterone.[38]
Conviction and sentencing
The strongest piece of evidence presented by the prosecution were details revealed in a secretly recorded telephone conversation between the defendant and her sister, Naima, in which LMme M'Barek discussed £100,000 (€150,000) blood money paid to her brother. She additionally recounted precisely how she was going to blame her brother for her husband's death.[29][53][54]
The wire tap also uncovered the truth about Mme M'Barek's visit to the remote spot where her husband's body was found. This was supported when downloaded records from the GPS tracking device in her cellphone provided details that she (or at least her cellphone) had been there two days prior to Shaftesbury's death.[29][53][54]
On 25 May 2007, after deliberating for two hours, the jury returned guilty verdicts against both brother and sister. Mme M'Barek and her brother were each sentenced to 25 years in prison. Under French law, they each have an automatic right to appeal their conviction, which results in a retrial of the case.[38]
After the trial, Mohammed M'Barek was admitted to a psychiatric ward. His initial plans to appeal have been dropped. On appeal by his sister, the court was informed that he was in an "incoherent and mostly delirious state" and would be unable to testify on either his behalf or on the behalf of his sister.[55]
On 4 February 2009, Mme M'Barek appeared in a court in southern France to appeal her conviction. After the jury deliberated for four hours, her sentence was reduced from 25 to 20 years at a court of appeal in Aix-en-Provence.[56]
With all appeals exhausted, the late peer's son, Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, 12th Earl of Shaftesbury, expressed his relief at the verdict and said he could now get on with his life after closing a "very painful chapter".[57]
Funeral and burial
On 30 September 2005, funeral services were held for Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 10th Earl of Shaftesbury. Hundreds of mourners were in attendance, held at the parish church in Wimborne St Giles. Those in attendance included Shaftesbury's second wife, Christina, Countess of Shaftesbury; his son, Nicholas Ashley-Cooper; and his sister, Lady Frances Ashley-Cooper.[58]
Charles Palmer-Tomkinson read from Khalil Gibran's The Prophet, while Shaftesbury's sister read from For These Once Mine, by George Santayana. "The Prayer of St Francis of Assisi" was read by Shaftesbury's son, Nicholas, who inherited the title of 12th Earl of Shaftesbury in 2005.[58]
After the 45-minute service, Shaftesbury's ashes were taken to the church and placed in the family crypt in Wimborne St Giles. He was buried next to his eldest son, Anthony Nils Christian Ashley-Cooper, 11th Earl of Shaftesbury, who died on 15 May 2005, six months after his father.[58] Reverend David Paskins, parish priest said after the ceremony, "It was a very inspiring occasion. They have had a very difficult time and have borne it with great dignity and fortitude".[59]
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{{cite web}}
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{{cite web}}
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- ^ "Funeral for Earl killed in France". BBC News. 30 September 2005. Retrieved 5 July 2010.
Further reading
- Shaftesbury, Bianca (2008). A Life on Fire, Rome: Archinto, 198 pages. ISBN 978-8877685117
External links
- Hansard 1803–2005: contributions in Parliament by the Earl of Shaftesbury
- Hawk and Owl Trust The 10th Earl of Shaftesbury was president of the Hawk and Owl Trust
- Livability The Shaftesbury Society merged with John Grooms Crippleage and reorganised as Livability
- Curse of the Shaftesburys In-depth history of the Shaftesbury tragedies