Sharon Malone's badly-decomposed body was discovered by a falconer out exercising his bird of prey in a secluded corner of North Mymms Park.

But it emerged this week that the murdered mother-of-two was probably dumped a lot closer to her Potters Bar home.

Detective Inspector Graham Grant told West Hertfordshire Coroners' Court her battered body had almost certainly floated down the River Colne.

"At the time of her discovery it was quite dry but in heavy rain it's described as a substantial torrent," he said.

The river acts as a flood relief system for the M25 motorway and feeds off brooks throughout Hertfordshire, including streams near Mrs Malone's home in Cranborne Crescent.

The sporty 28-year-old died of severe head injuries after being attacked with a blunt instrument, the inquest heard on Monday.

She disappeared from her home on November 28, 1999, sparking a massive hunt, but was probably dead within hours. Her car, containing her unused mobile phone, was found abandoned a month after she disappeared.

Inquiries have been hampered by the disappearance of her husband Gary Malone, 46. He fled to Spain two months after her disappearance.

The couple met through karate classes and had previously separated. She had been staying with her father, Harry Clinch, in Barnet and had only returned home three weeks before she disappeared. Mrs Malone's battered body was found on March 18 last year and identified by dental records. She was wearing knickers and two T-shirts, including one she used as a nightdress.

Forensic pathologist Dr Nathaniel Cary told the inquest she had been beaten repeatedly about the head.

"There were fractures to her face as well as the back of her skull," he said. "The depressed nature of one of the fractures indicated the use of a blunt instrument of some sort."

Recording a verdict of death by unlawful killing, West Hertfordshire coroner Edward Thomas appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

"Words cannot express how awful it must have been for you and it's important that this matter be concluded," he told members of Mrs Malone's family.

After the inquest Det Insp Grant said at least two people in Potters Bar knew what had happened to Mrs Malone.

"We're appealing to them to listen to their consciences and come forward and talk to us," he said.

If you can help, contact the incident room on 020 8358 0200 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

August 15, 2001 14:48

MATTHEW NIXSON