Human remains in wheelie bin are those of missing Samantha

Published on Wednesday 14 October 2009 22:19

THE family and friends of Samantha Wright have spoken of their anguish after her remains were discovered by police hidden in a wheelie bin in an Edinburgh garden.

Lothian and Borders Police confirmed yesterday that the body, which was found on Monday night at the rear of an address in Magdalene Drive, Duddingston, was that of Ms Wright.

The 25-year-old was originally from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, but had been living in the capital for five years. She went missing 16 months ago.

Concerns for her safety grew after she failed to contact her family for Christmas, or her birthday on 5 January.

Her mother, Catherine Gibson, posted a message on the social networking site Facebook yesterday which read: "RIP Samantha, you have left a big hole in my heart darling, we can lay you to rest soon, I will always love you and you will always be in my thoughts, love you Mum."

Speaking yesterday, Mrs Gibson, 46,

said: "We had been hoping it wasn't her. It's devastating. Samantha was a real people person.

She was a beautiful person, and I can't tell you how much I miss her and love her.

"She came down last May and that was the last time I saw her alive. I remember seeing her off on the coach when she went home and I'll never forget her face that day until I die."

Ms Wright's ex-boyfriend, Simon Sawers, also described his "numbness" and "disbelief" on Facebook.

He wrote: "I cannot begin to understand why anyone could do such a thing to the most amazing girl I have ever met.

"I am greatly honoured to say that Samantha was part of my life."

Sandie Fuller, a family friend from London, wrote: "Poor Sam, she didn't deserve to die like that. I feel very, very sad.

"We will always remember you Sam and your zest for life. I'm sure you're looking down on us now. Be at peace."

Police want to speak to anyone who may have further information as to Ms Wright's last known movements.

She was last seen at a Jobcentre in High Riggs in June 2008.

A major breakthrough emerged in August when Lothian and Borders Police revealed CCTV of her accompanied by a stranger, captured in the city centre on the day she went missing.

Chief Inspector Paul Bullen said: "It is with great sadness that we bring our missing person investigation to a close and must now begin a new line of enquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.

"We still, however, do not know what happened to Samantha between being viewed on CCTV footage in the East end of Edinburgh and being found here in Magdalene Drive."

&#149 A man has appeared in court accused of attempting to defeat the ends of justice in connection with the discovery of Ms Wright's remains.

Robert Chalmers, 57, of the Duddingston area of Edinburgh, appeared in private yesterday at Edinburgh Sheriff Court and was remanded in custody.