The father of a man killed in Dubai was murdered more than a decade ago following a family feud.
Bill Treeby, 26, from Rainham, died after being stabbed by 23-year-old Brooke George at an apartment in Dubai earlier this week.
Bill Treeby, from Rainham, was killed in Dubai. Picture: Facebook
Brooke George, from Gravesham, is charged with murder in Dubai
George, a former John Lewis employee from Gravesend and social media influencer, has been charged in connection with the death but maintains that she acted in self-defence.
The latest tragedy has reopened painful memories for the Treeby family, whose lives were already torn apart in 2009 when Bill’s father, Jack Treeby, of Sunderland Road in Rainham, was killed in a deliberate hit-and-run attack carried out by members of his own family.
The 43-year-old, who was a father-of-five, died shortly after Christmas in 2009 after being mowed down by a Range Rover near Maidstone following a row over claims Jack’s nephew, Billy, had “grassed” Jack up over benefits claims.
Jack’s brother, Bill Treeby, 50, and his nephews, Billy, 30, and George, 23, were found guilty of murdering him after a trial in 2010.
Bill’s wife Charity, 51, was cleared of murder, and also cleared of a secondary charge of manslaughter.
Jack Treeby was killed in a deliberate hit-and-run by his own family. Picture: Kent Police
Jack Treeby, from Rainham, was killed in 2009. Picture: Karen Treeby
The three men were also found guilty of the attempted murder of Bill and Jack’s brother Gary Treeby. Charity was cleared of that charge.
The trial lasted nine weeks with four family members in the dock.
At the time, a court heard that violence erupted during an argument in the Harrow pub, Lidsing, on Christmas Eve.
The jury saw CCTV images of the scene, which captured much of the incident as it happened. The only incident not captured was Jack Treeby being run over, which occurred while the tapes were being changed.
Jurors heard Bill Treeby claim he fled the scene having been shot at twice, but had never owned a Range Rover, while his son Billy Treeby claimed his father was driving the car.
Left to right: George Treeby, 23, Bill Treeby, 50, and Billy Treeby, 30. Picture: Kent Police
Charity Treeby, known as “Charty”, claimed she had screamed “leave him alone” when she had come across Gary Treeby being beaten, although she had not known it was him until later.
After the incident, the Range Rover was found burnt out.
Billy and George were sentenced to life in prison. Bill, who was also found guilty of murder, killed himself in a Sheppey prison before the sentencing hearing.
Now, almost 17 years later, Jack’s widow Karen is mourning the loss of her son in similarly violent circumstances.
Paying tribute to Bill on social media, she wrote: “My darling son, I’m broken. Rest in forever peace, my Bill. You will be so missed and loved by us all. We will never forget you and will keep your memory alive always.”
Bill’s sister Esther also shared an emotional message, saying: “He was not only my brother but my best friend. I love you, my Bill. Forever 26.”
Flowers left for Mr Treeby – calling him the “world’s best dad”. Picture: Peter Still
Floral tributes to Jack Treeby at Chatham Cemetery. Picture: Peter Still
The funeral of Jack Treeby at Breadhurst Church. Picture: John Wardley
The circumstances surrounding Bill’s death remain under investigation by authorities in the United Arab Emirates.
Human rights organisation Detained in Dubai said Ms George was arrested while attempting to leave the country and has since been charged with murder.
According to Ms George’s family and campaigners supporting her, the pair first met through Facebook before she travelled to Dubai earlier this year. They allege that Mr Treeby initially treated her kindly, arranging a professional photoshoot and promising a glamorous lifestyle in the emirate.
However, Ms George’s relatives claim the relationship deteriorated during a second visit to Dubai in June.
Her family allege that she discovered she had only been booked on a one-way flight, that her passport had been withheld and that she had become increasingly fearful.
There was police protection at Jack Treeby’s funeral. Picture John Wardley
Campaigners acting on her behalf claim Ms George was assaulted after asking for her passport back and that she stabbed Mr Treeby while attempting to defend herself.
Radha Stirling, chief executive of Detained in Dubai, said: “She reached for a knife after being attacked and punched in the face. Authorities must treat her as a domestic violence survivor while they investigate.”
Ms George’s mother, Thereza George, said she noticed a marked change in her daughter shortly before the incident.
She said: “The day before the incident, she wasn’t herself. She was quieter than usual but wouldn’t tell me why. That evening they went to a bar in Dubai.
“When I spoke to Brooke right after the incident, she was absolutely terrified. I have never seen my daughter so frightened. She was crying uncontrollably. I could see one of her eyes was badly swollen and beginning to close.
Fatal stabbing victim Bill Treeby is the son of Jack Treeby, who was murdered in Maidstone 17 years ago. Picture: Facebook
“As Brooke’s mother, I am deeply concerned for her welfare. The daughter I spoke to that night was utterly terrified. I firmly believe she was trying desperately to get home and away from whatever had happened to her.”
Ms George is currently being held in custody in Dubai while investigations continue.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said: “We are in touch with a British woman detained in the UAE. We are supporting her family and are in contact with the local authorities.”