The father of murdered Potters Bar woman Sharon Malone spoke of his pain this week at not being able to see his grandchildren.

Harry Clinch was speaking after Spanish authorities put his grandchildren in the custody of Harry Malone, the father of Garry Malone, who was arrested for Sharon's murder last week.

The children, Adam, seven, and Robert, five, are staying with Mr Malone at a location in Spain, while their father awaits an extradition hearing in Madrid.

Mr Clinch, of Old Fold View, Barnet, has only seen his grandchildren once in three years, after Garry took them to the Costa del Sol in the wake of Sharon's death in 1999.

"I feel like I'm trapped in limbo, just sitting here waiting for something to happen," said Mr Clinch. "All I can do is wait. Wait for them to get in touch with me.

"What worries me is that I have no means of finding out any information. His Garry's telephone number isn't working, but that's most likely because once he was arrested his mobile was switched off.

"Garry's father Harry has not been in touch with me. He's adamant of his son's innocence. But he should have my number if he wants to get in contact."

Detective Sergeant Julian Hodges, who is working on the murder inquiry, said: "It could be anything up to several months before Garry Malone comes back to Britain."

Malone left the family home in Cranborne Crescent, Potters Bar, in January 2000 shortly after making an emotional plea for missing Sharon's safe return. Just weeks later, her battered body was found in North Mymms Park, near Hatfield.

April 8, 2003 19:30