Crime British Ex-Major Charged with Wife's Murder in Aussie Kayak Incident

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of Facebook

 

In a dramatic twist, retired British Army major Graeme Davidson has been charged with the murder of his wife, Jacqueline, during a kayaking trip in Australia, overturning what was initially ruled a tragic accident. His arrest in Brisbane this week marks the culmination of a four-year investigation into her death in Lake Samsonvale, north of Brisbane.

 

Davidson, originally from Glasgow, was apprehended while visiting from Thailand, where he had relocated months after Jacqueline drowned in November 2020. Now 55, Davidson faces serious charges, including murder, fraud, and domestic violence. Queensland police allege that he orchestrated the incident to claim life insurance policies valued at over AU$1million (21.3 million baht).

 

Captured on camera, Davidson appeared shocked as officers interrupted his sleep to arrest him. This followed the re-evaluation of Jacqueline's drowning, initially non-suspicious, sparked by a coronial inquiry's doubts. Operation Victor Harlow, launched afterwards, revealed new witness accounts and expert input suggesting foul play.

 

Detective Acting Inspector Steve Windsor stressed that Jacqueline's death, while a drowning, was suspicious. “Police are alleging the male person was involved in the drowning in the lake,” he said, citing tensions in their 26-year marriage prior to her death.

 

 

After Jacqueline's funeral, Davidson departed for Thailand, integrating into Hua Hin's expat community and marrying a Thai woman, Pick Pattraporn, in December 2022. Queensland authorities chose to wait for Davidson's return to Australia, bypassing extradition complications.

 

Denied bail, Davidson remains in custody after a brief mention of the case in Brisbane Magistrates Court. He'll face the court again on May 19. Inspector Windsor described the investigation as complex, requiring extensive witness interviews and expert consultations to build the case.

 

A former friend recalled Davidson's 22-year tenure in the British Army and subsequent Australian Army service, noting Jacqueline's friendly nature within her Chermside community. Amid unfolding legal proceedings, the true circumstances surrounding Jacqueline's fate stand to be revealed, offering long-sought clarity to her family and the public.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-07

 

 

[ukrules]

So they had no evidence of this in the past but now they do have evidence of what exactly?

Did they find some missed cctv footage out on the lake?

 

I have to wonder if having life insurance is now an automatic murder charge when someone dies, there had better be some solid evidence in this case or the life insurance industry is going to be in big trouble.

 

Edit: We should bear in mind that if they had any evidence prior to this then they would have simply asked Thailand to return him which they would have done by cancelling his visa and putting him onto a plane like they often do.

[BritManToo]

Reminds me of 'Lady of the hills", another arrest years later, no cause of death, no evidence of murder, no new evidence. Out on bail 4 Feb ....... 3 months later no more news.

 

What happens to these guys, do they stay in some 'legal limbo' forever?

Are the police hoping they'll suddenly confess if tortured long enough?

[Paul Henry]

Police are viewing this as a Major crime!

[Coota]

16 hours ago, ukrules said:

So they had no evidence of this in the past but now they do have evidence of what exactly?

Did they find some missed cctv footage out on the lake?

 

I have to wonder if having life insurance is now an automatic murder charge when someone dies, there had better be some solid evidence in this case or the life insurance industry is going to be in big trouble.

 

Edit: We should bear in mind that if they had any evidence prior to this then they would have simply asked Thailand to return him which they would have done by cancelling his visa and putting him onto a plane like they often do.

New evidence that was not available before has been found as well as advances in scientific analysis, also new witnesses have come forward. It takes a long time to get all the pieces together.

The Police decided against extradition as they knew he would eventually visit Australia, once again possibly due to a family friend.

Have you never heard of a cold case?

[newbee2022]

17 hours ago, ukrules said:

So they had no evidence of this in the past but now they do have evidence of what exactly?

Write a letter to the police since you're good in writing👍

 

[newbee2022]

British Ex-Major

 

Why this is important?

Murderer is murderer, no matter if he was in an army. But maybe special, because already trained in killing??😳

[impulse]

It'll be interesting when a series like Forensic Files or 48 Hours picks up the story to 'splain what the new evidence is.

 

[LudwigK]

Couldn't he get rid of the chick any other way ???

[Frankie baby]

What ever happened to innocent until proven guilty?

[quake]

If he did it.

His a complete idiot.

Going back to Oz. 

[CallumWK]

21 minutes ago, Frankie baby said:

What ever happened to innocent until proven guilty?

 

Nothing at all, he was left alone for 5 years, and now has been arrested and will have to appear in court, where it will be decided if he is guilty or not

[newbee2022]

Is he a man or transgender? Because he's wearing a skirt?😳

[ukrules]

7 hours ago, Coota said:

New evidence that was not available before has been found as well as advances in scientific analysis, also new witnesses have come forward. It takes a long time to get all the pieces together.

The Police decided against extradition as they knew he would eventually visit Australia, once again possibly due to a family friend.

Have you never heard of a cold case?

 

Yes, those cold cases where they find some small piece of DNA which couldn't be matched before.

 

They were married, so DNA isn't going to cut it.

New witnesses after all this time? Circumstantial at best.

Unless they have something on video of course.

[Coota]

1 hour ago, ukrules said:

 

Yes, those cold cases where they find some small piece of DNA which couldn't be matched before.

 

They were married, so DNA isn't going to cut it.

New witnesses after all this time? Circumstantial at best.

Unless they have something on video of course.

I read in the Australian press that the Major had tried to access another death insurance policy that was knocked back, he benefited from one other policy but failed with the second. I also read that new botanical science is being used as evidence. 

 

[nahkit]

On 5/7/2025 at 5:05 PM, BritManToo said:

Are the police hoping they'll suddenly confess if tortured long enough?

And you have evidence that he is being tortured right?

[Paradise Pete]

10 hours ago, Frankie baby said:

What ever happened to innocent until proven guilty?

 

He's been arrested and will have a trial. Isn't that the normal procedure?

[BritManToo]

8 hours ago, nahkit said:

And you have evidence that he is being tortured right?

Having you life put on hold indefinitely, unemployable, reporting to police every day/week, taken from your wife and children.

Doesn't sound like torture to you?

[Briggsy]

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

Having you life put on hold indefinitely, unemployable, reporting to police every day/week, taken from your wife and children.

Doesn't sound like torture to you?

If you read the article, he has actually been remanded into custody rather than reporting on bail.

[SAFETY FIRST]

On 5/7/2025 at 4:14 PM, snoop1130 said:

marrying a Thai woman, Pick Pattraporn, in December 2022

Looks like Pick is up for the PICKINGS 😂

 

Judging by the kilt photo above the guy is your typical show pony, hope his fellow inmates give this killer a kicking.

 

[steven100]

He couldn't get to his Hua Hin quick enough.   Lost his wife in Nov 2020 ...  remarry his Hua Hin filly 2022.    

[BritManToo]

1 hour ago, Briggsy said:

If you read the article, he has actually been remanded into custody rather than reporting on bail.

Last lady of the hills report I found was Feb 4th bailed .....

if you have later news please provide a link.

 

The Major has just been arrested ...... unless he's very silly, they'll hold him a few days, then he'll be bailed.

 

You need real evidence to keep them locked up!

In both cases, no evidence there was a murder.

[Briggsy]

4 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Last lady of the hills report I found was Feb 4th bailed .....

if you have later news please provide a link.

 

The Major has just been arrested ...... unless he's very silly, they'll hold him a few days, then he'll be bailed.

 

You need real evidence to keep them locked up!

In both cases, no evidence there was a murder.

This thread is about retired British Army major Graeme Davidson, not about the arrest of David Armitage.

 

You and I have no idea what evidence the Australian police have in their possession to suspect Graeme Davidson. However, to arrest him and publicly come out and say he was involved in his wife's drowning definitely means they have something. Also, the decision to remand is not taken lightly. If he is charged and tried, the evidence will be placed in the public domain.

[nahkit]

7 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Having you life put on hold indefinitely, unemployable, reporting to police every day/week, taken from your wife and children.

Doesn't sound like torture to you?

He hasn't even been in custody for a full week yet.

[BritManToo]

1 hour ago, Briggsy said:

This thread is about retired British Army major Graeme Davidson, not about the arrest of David Armitage.

 

You and I have no idea what evidence the Australian police have in their possession to suspect Graeme Davidson. However, to arrest him and publicly come out and say he was involved in his wife's drowning definitely means they have something. Also, the decision to remand is not taken lightly. If he is charged and tried, the evidence will be placed in the public domain.

The police always try that game, hoping the accused will incriminate themselves.

Armitage didn't, and is out on bail.

Davidson just has to keep his mouth shut, and they will bail him in 2 or 3 days.

[Briggsy]

3 hours ago, BritManToo said:

The police always try that game, hoping the accused will incriminate themselves.

Armitage didn't, and is out on bail.

Davidson just has to keep his mouth shut, and they will bail him in 2 or 3 days.

He was remanded (at least 12 days) until a 19 May court hearing so he will not be bailed before then.

[Harrisfan]

Imo he did it. No way my mrs drowns. I wouldnt let it happen.

[heiri007]

He had a history of violence in Hua Hin, ask around.