A FORMER British Army officer charged with murdering his wife in a kayaking incident had moved to Thailand with a new bride following the death.
Graeme Davidson, 55, has been charged with domestic violence murder, fraud, and attempted fraud.
He was arrested in Brisbane on Monday while visiting from his current residence in Thailand.
Authorities claim that he murdered his spouse and tried to collect over $1 million AUD (£483,000) in life insurance payouts after she passed away in November 2020.
But Davidson is reported to have left Australia five months after his wife died.
He moved to Thailand where he remarried a young bride named Pick Pattraporn at a traditional ceremony in late 2022.
Davidson was reportedly active in the expat community in Thailand, where it is believed his son had joined him according to the MailOnline.
He was back in Australia to visit family when he was arrested.
Jacqueline Davidson, 54, died after falling into the water during a kayaking trip at Lake Samsonvale, Queensland.
Her death was initially believe to be a tragic accident, but a homicide probe was launched following further coronial investigations.
A Queensland police statement says: “Initially, the woman’s death appeared to be non-suspicious.”
Detective Acting Inspector Steve Windsor informed the media: “Although the official cause of death was drowning, our investigation revealed inconsistencies that raised suspicions about the incident.”
He added that detectives had gathered witnesses and expert statements, as well as analysis of lake conditions.
He said: “Incidents are not always what they initially seem, so I thank the detectives for their diligent work.”
Davidson had served in the British Army for 22 years before he transferred to the Australian Army.
A former friend told Daily Mail Australia that his deceased wife was a “beautiful and very friendly” woman.
She had worked as a beautician in the Brisbane suburb Chermside.
Police had reportedly been considering extraditing Davidson from Thailand but decided against it, according to News.com.au reports.
The opted instead to arrest him when he returned to Australia.
Bodycam footage of his arrest shows cops entering the room where he was sleeping on a fold-out sofa.
He can be seen sitting upright and throwing off blankets before being escorted out.
Det Insp Windsor added that police would allege there was “some form of breakdown in the relationship” at the time of Jacqueline’s death.
He further said the fraud charges relate to Davidson allegedly claiming, and attempting to claim, life insurance policies.
He said: “The combined life insurance was in excess of $1 million. They were quite extensive.”
Police want anyone who can provide further information to come forward.
