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Father of murdered schoolgirl Sarah Payne dies

The murder of Sarah Payne remains one of the most infamous crimes against children committed in England.

By Gabrielle Levy
Michael and Sara Payne, parents of the murdered Sarah, before they split in 2003.
Michael and Sara Payne, parents of the murdered Sarah, before they split in 2003.

MAIDSTONE, England, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- Michael Payne, whose daughter Sarah was abducted and murdered in 2000, was found dead at the age of 45.

Payne, who had struggled with an alcohol addiction following Sarah's murder, was found dead in his Maidstone, Kent, home Monday.

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"The death is not being treated as suspicious," a Kent police spokesman said. "A report will be prepared for the coroner."

Sarah, 8, was abducted by convicted sex offender Roy Whiting as she played in a field outside her grandparents home in Kingston Gorse, West Sussex, in July 2000. Whiting was convicted of her murder and jailed for life in 2011. He had previously been convicted of the kidnapping and assault of another young girl.

The crime remains one of Britain's highest profile child murders and was the inspiration behind Sarah's Law, which allows parents or grandparents to contact police to find out if someone who has been in contact with a child has a history as a sex offender.

Sarah's mother, Sara Payne, was awarded an MBE in 2008 in recognition of her efforts to get the new law passed.

In 2003, Michael and Sara Payne separated, acknowledging that the grief and guilt over their daughter's murder had destroyed their marriage.

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Payne's children Lee and Charlotte posted messages of mourning on Facebook pages.

"You had your demons and troubles but you had a good heart," wrote Lee, 27. "I hope you have found peace at last! RIP, you will be missed. We are all heartbroken."

Added Charlotte, 19: "Heartbroken to say the least, no matter what happened and how many mistakes we all made. You will always be my Daddy."

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