A MAN suspected of murdering his wife after they started a new life in France has returned to East Lancashire to fight for her money.

Robert Lund is working with solicitors in Blackburn to try and unblock a will which is being contested by his dead partner Evelyn's family.

And he claimed that as her husband, he had the right to the former Darwen woman's estate -- not her three daughters.

Animal-lover Evelyn's body was found at the bottom of the Bancali lake near the couple's £44,000 converted farmhouse in Raysaac, Albi, south France, in October 2001.

She had been missing since December, 1999. Robert, 52, who admits he is

the police's prime suspect, was twice taken into custody and questioned in connection with the death.

An exclusive Evening Telegraph investigation last year revealed how the couple had endured a turbulent relationship - and how he admitted being violent towards his wife.

But he has always protested his innocence over her death.

After living under the finger of suspicion for five years ago, Robert has claimed the frustration of the legal process and waiting for answers from French authorities had left him on the brink of a second nervous breakdown.

Evelyn, whose parents are from Rawtenstall, sold her home in Winter Hill, Darwen, for around £100,000 and had a monthly pension of more than £1,000, left to her by her first husband.

Robert, a former tree surgeon with Blackburn with Darwen Council, has returned to Blackburn to deal with civil paperwork concerning the British law with his solicitor Robin Stevens of Forbes and Partners.

He said his other solicitor in France, who is dealing with the French authorities, has decided to stop representing him - because the case is taking so long.

He said: "As husband, I am charged with administering the estate but I am now having to challenge the legal blocks which are stopping me do anything," he said. "They have been put in place by her family. It's just a big mess.

"A reconciliation with the family is just not an option. They decided early on what their strategy would be with the money."

Mr Lund, from Darwen, is hoping to see Blackburn MP Jack Straw at his surgery next week.

He said: "The fact that it is so long since I have heard anything makes me think the police can't possibly be planning to charge me. But my life is still on hold. I can't do anything until the French conclude their investigation. I am skint but fear they won't do anything for years for fear of being controversial.

"I am also desperate to get her body back. My promise to Evelyn was to carry out her wish - to be cremated and have her ashes sprinkled over her first husband's grave - the man she truly loved."

Evelyn's daughter Patricia Taylor, of Franklin Road, Blackburn, has campaigned tirelessly for answers and said she is waiting for crucial evidence in the case to be revealed by police. Evelyn's first husband, Arthur Taylor, from Burnley, died of cancer in 1991 and is buried at Burnley Cemetery.

Detective Insp Steve Brunskill of Lancashire police said: ""At the present time we are waiting for a response from the examining magistrate in France to a letter we sent earlier in October to find out what action is to be taken.

"Due to the length of time this case has now been pending I am keen for an early resolution. The case is still in French hands."

DI Brunskill said the Crown Prosecution Service would assess the evidence if French authorities closed the case.