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Casino woman stabbed to death in London penthouse
Gerard Couzens and Martin Bentham23.10.09
A casino entrepreneur has been arrested on suspicion of stabbing his businesswoman wife to death at their penthouse London home.
Mark Campbell, 53, was detained after detectives answered a 999 call at the Harrow home he shared with his Spanish wife Olga Pleguezuelos, 35. She had recently gained a new job in the US for a firm that supplies gaming machines for casinos around the world and, according to friends, was planning to start a new life in Las Vegas.
Today, as Campbell received treatment in hospital for knife wounds to his neck and wrist, Ms Pleguezuelos's sister Eva spoke of her family's horror at the killing.
She said: “We're devastated. It's very difficult to cope with the idea that such a young person like Olga has died at the hands of someone who ended her life. She wanted to be independent, free, defend her rights and be able to exercise her career as she thought fit.”
The victim's body was discovered by police after they were called to the couple's house in Harrow on Monday morning when Campbell rang 999.
The pair were reported to have started divorce proceedings, although they are said to have been living together again after several months apart.
Until recently Campbell, the Singapore-born son of a Scotttish father and Swedish mother, was information director of a company planning a casino city in northern Spain, designed to be Europe's largest leisure complex.
He stood down earlier this year but is still thought to be on the payroll of ILD, the promoter behind plans for a Las Vegas-style city called Gran Scala built around 32 hotel-casinos, 18 theme parks, a horse racing track, shops and museums.
His wife, who spoke four languages, worked for London-based gaming firm Aristocrat Europe. She was due to take up a new post. In a statement, Ms Pleguezuelos's company said: “We are all deeply shocked and saddened by Olga's tragic passing. To all those who knew her, Olga was a breath of fresh air. She will be greatly missed.
“Olga was a popular and respected member of the Aristocrat team. She had recently accepted the position of marketing manager, Latin America, based in Las Vegas, an appointment that reflected Olga's capability, professionalism and enthusiasm.”
A spokesman for the Met Police confirmed that a murder inquiry was under way and said they had been called by an occupant of the house. He added that an inquest would be held.
No one has been charged.
