Lucie father denies 'blood money'

Tim Blackman is in Tokyo awaiting the verdict in the four-and-a-half year trial of Joji Obara, who is accused of abducting 21-year-old Lucie Blackman, rape resulting in death, and the disposal of her body.

Meanwhile, Mr Blackman's ex-wife and Lucie's mother Jane Steare attacked his decision to accept money from Obara's friend, accusing him of acting like Judas by accepting £450,000 "blood money".

Mr Blackman said of his ex-wife's comments: "I find it absolutely, entirely inappropriate. This is a really important time in Lucie's case and there could have been any time in the last eight or nine months when she could raise these issues. But to do it on the eve of Lucie's hearing is inexcusable."

He said it was very destructive for Lucie's 23-year-old brother Rupert and 27-year-old sister Sophie.

Mr Blackman, a property developer, said it was condolence money and would be split between the Lucie Blackman Trust and to support the family in the future.

He denied he has done anything illegal and said he had also previously refused a £300,000 offer by Obara to stop him giving evidence in court. He added: "Any prospect that it was fraudulent in some way is completely and utterly ludicrous."

But Mrs Steare has alleged Mr Blackman does not legally represent the family and told the Daily Mail newspaper: "As far as I am concerned, Tim accepted 100 million pieces of silver. Judas was content with just 30."

She added: "It's bad enough losing your daughter in the terrible circumstances that Lucie died. But to then find out that her father seems to have colluded with the defence team has been emotionally crippling."

Hampshire Police are investigating an allegation from Mrs Steare made in November last year that Mr Blackman "fraudulently" took the £450,000.