Police to Question Missing Canoeist's Wife Upon Return to Britain

The wife of a man suspected of faking his death has begged for forgiveness and vowed to return to Britain where police plan to question her for fraud, British newspapers reported Friday.

Anne Darwin told the British press that she believed her husband, John Darwin, 57, had died in a canoe accident in March 2002. She claimed he contacted her later, but did not say when or how he revealed he was alive.

"I have been living my life as a lie, constantly looking over my shoulder, realizing something like this could happen at some stage," she was quoted as telling The Daily Mirror and The Daily Mail. "I was never relaxed — always on edge and knowing the truth could come out at any time."

A police officer, who requested anonymity because an investigation into Darwin's disappearance is under way, said the woman will be detained upon her return — but she is not the priority.

"Let's get him sorted, then we will deal with her," the officer said. "Although a lot of background inquiries into her are currently taking place."