Jane Andrews served 15 years in prison for the 2001 murder of her boyfriend, Thomas Cressman. Convicted at the Old Bailey and sentenced to life with a minimum tariff of 12 years, she was released on parole in 2016 after multiple bids and incidents like absconding from an open prison.

Case Background

Jane Andrews, once dresser to Sarah Ferguson (Duchess of York), stabbed businessman Thomas Cressman to death in their London flat. She claimed self- defense and childhood abuse, but the jury rejected this after a high-profile trial.

Prosecutors highlighted a "woman scorned" motive after Cressman ended their relationship. Andrews fled, attempted suicide, and was captured in Cornwall.

Prison Timeline

  • 2001 : Sentenced to life; began at HM Prison Bullwood Hall (Essex).
  • 2009 : Transferred to open East Sutton Park Prison, allowing more freedom.
  • 2010 & 2009: Absconded twice, facing additional charges.
  • 2015 : Parole granted after serving minimum tariff; released 2016.

She spent ~15 years total behind bars, paroled at age 49.

Post-Release Life

Andrews kept a low profile, starting a new job by 2025 per reports. Recent ITV drama The Lady (2026) revived interest, sparking forum debates on her early release and royal ties.

"She murdered my son with malice aforethought." – Cressman's mother at trial

TL;DR : Jane Andrews served 15 years (2001-2016) of a life sentence before parole.

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