Police find blood of missing millionaire

A pool of blood identified as Craig Puddy's and a discarded wallet have reinforced
WA Police fears that the millionaire Perth businessman has been murdered.
The blood found at Mr Puddy's multi-million dollar Mt Pleasant home was confirmed as
his on Wednesday while his wallet has been found near a hotel he part-owns.
The 45-year-old was reported missing by family members last Tuesday, the day after
he resigned as director of an industrial machinery company.
For the past week forensic police have searched his home for further clues and
Detective Inspector David Bryson now says "grave concerns" are held for the
businessman's welfare.
"At this stage we are treating this now as a homicide but also with hope he may
still be alive," he said.
Det Insp Bryson revealed Mr Puddy's wallet was found by a member of the public,
reportedly near The Basement on Broadway Hotel at Nedlands.
"Obviously as far as we're concerned it's a great find because obviously it has come
from Mr Puddy's address and being found in the area that it was found, is just one
other line that we can use," Det Insp Bryson said.
Meanwhile, detectives are searching rubbish tips and local council depots, in their
hunt for Mr Puddy's missing green and yellow recycling wheelie bin.
It was last seen around the time the businessman was reported missing and police
believe it could hold the key to his disappearance.
Mr Puddy's waste wheelie bin, which had also been missing, was found in a nearby
street.
WA police say they are also working with interstate authorities on the case.
Det Insp Bryson said a number of other items belonging to Mr Puddy had been found
away from his home.
Last Friday, police released Mr Puddy's former business partner Cameron Mansell
without charge after 15 hours of intense questioning.
The 38-year-old's burnt-out four-wheel drive vehicle was found in a pine plantation
in the city's north last Thursday but Det Insp Bryson said he could not confirm
whether it had been reported stolen.
"He has told us that if we wish to speak to him again he's more than happy to do
so," Det Insp Bryson said on Wednesday.
After his release, Mr Mansell was sacked by the management of the Basement on
Broadway, a bar he managed and in which Mr Puddy held a 30 per cent stake.
Fremantle Docker midfielder Byron Schammer and former Wallaby Scott Fava are also
reported to hold a stake in the bar.
As well as Mr Mansell, Det Insp Bryson said police had interviewed many of Mr
Puddy's friends and business associates.
"He's (Mr Mansell's) one of Mr Puddy's friends, he's one of his associates, all of
who are witnesses," he said.
Mr Mansell and Mr Puddy were reported to be members of a social drinking group
called 'The Man Club'.



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