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what happened to jane andrews

Jane Andrews: From Royal Aide to Murder Conviction Jane Andrews rose from humble beginnings in Grimsby, England, to become a trusted dresser for Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, serving in high-society circles for nearly a decade until 1997. Her life took a dark turn in 2001 when she killed her boyfriend, businessman Thomas "Tommy" Cressman, in a violent rage at their shared west London home after he refused her marriage proposal.

The Crime That Shocked Britain

In September 2001, after returning from a holiday in Italy, Andrews attacked the sleeping 39-year-old Cressman—first battering him with a cricket bat, then fatally stabbing him in the chest with a kitchen knife. She fled the scene, prompting an emotional public appeal from her former employer, Fergie, to turn herself in; Andrews was later found in Cornwall after an overdose attempt.

  • Prosecution's case : Andrews murdered Cressman out of jealousy and obsession, rejecting her self-defense claim during the Old Bailey trial.
  • Defense narrative : She alleged years of abuse by Cressman, including coercive control and sexual demands, painting a picture of a toxic relationship—though the jury convicted her of murder in 2001.
  • Sentencing : Received a life term with a 12-year minimum, captivating tabloids with her "rags-to-riches-to-ruin" story.

"Her getting parole is against our wishes and is a devastating blow to all of us." – Rick Cressman, victim's brother

Prison, Escapes, and Release

Andrews served time at facilities like HMP Send, absconding briefly from East Sutton Park open prison in 2009 before recapture—no further charges followed. In 2015, the Parole Board approved her release after deeming her safe for the community under strict conditions, like exclusion zones; she moved to an open prison first.

While incarcerated, she profited from property deals, selling a London flat for £300,000 gain and buying/selling a Sussex home.

Latest Updates (as of Feb 2026)

Recent coverage surged around February 13-15, 2026, revisiting the case on the ~25th anniversary—articles in The Sun and The Telegraph detail police pursuits and Fergie's role, while ITV and podcasts like "From Palace to Prison" (July 2025) explore her obsession-fueled downfall. No confirmed reports of reoffending or current whereabouts post-release, but forums buzz with debates on her abuse claims vs. lack of remorse.

Multiple Viewpoints :

  • Victim's family : Insist she showed no regret, opposing parole.
  • Andrews' supporters : Highlight alleged prior abuse, framing it as a "crime of passion."
  • Public sentiment : True-crime communities trend toward skepticism, calling it a cautionary tale of control.

TL;DR : Jane Andrews, ex-royal aide, murdered her boyfriend in 2001 over a rejected proposal, served ~14 years, released 2015-ish under supervision; 2026 stories revive interest without major new developments.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.