Call connected at 11:27.
‘Hello, Reverend Geoff Mandle speaking. How may I help you?’
‘Hello. I’m Detective Sergeant Gabe Martin. I was wondering if you had a moment to answer some questions about a case?’
‘Of course. Anything I can do to help.’
‘Thank you. I believe you oversee the church hall next to St Peter’s church?’
‘Yes, I’m handling all the bookings at the moment. Our church administrator is on maternity leave and the parish couldn’t find anyone to replace her.’
‘Did you ever meet Melanie Pirt?’
‘Oh, yes. I was sad to hear about that poor girl. She was so polite whenever I saw her.’
‘And Leonard Dunlow?’
‘He was quiet, but he called to make sure the hall was free and he paid the room charge.’
‘What was your impression of the two of them together?’
‘They were infatuated with each other. That much was clear. They booked the hall to sing but most of the time when I popped in, they were talking. I thought it was only a matter of time before they started dating.’
‘You had no inkling Leonard might want to hurt Melanie in any way?’
‘Oh, heavens no. He was always so sweet to her; held open doors and encouraged her when she wasn’t sure about her voice. Gosh. You don’t think he was involved with what happened to her? I have to say, I really don’t think he would have hurt her.’
‘Okay. Thank you for your time.’
‘That’s alright. God bless.’