From Palace to Prison: The Story of “JANE ANDREWS”

 

From Palace to Prison: 

The Story of “JANE ANDREWS”

 

The trajectory of Jane Andrews is a shocking tale of obsession, social ambition, and ultimate violence. Once a trusted confidante within the British Royal Family, her fall from grace transformed her into one of the nation's most notorious convicted killers.

 

I. Backstory: The Rise to Royal Circles:

Born in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, Jane Andrews came from a conventional, working-class background. However, she possessed immense ambition and a confident demeanor that allowed her to navigate social circles well above her station.

In 1987, her life changed dramatically when she secured a position as a dresser for Sarah, Duchess of York (Sarah Ferguson).

·        The Trusted Friend: Andrews quickly became indispensable to the Duchess. She was not merely a member of staff; she became a close confidante, traveling the world with the Duchess and moving within the highest circles of British society.

·        The Glamour: For nine years, Andrews enjoyed a privileged life, basking in the spotlight that accompanied the royal family, appearing in photographs alongside top celebrities and royalty.

 

II. The Downward Spiral and Toxic Relationships:

Following the end of her first marriage to Angus Taylor, Andrews entered a period of instability. In 1997, after nearly a decade of service, she was made redundant by the Duchess of York, marking the beginning of her fall from grace.

Seeking stability and status, she began a relationship with Tom Cressman, a successful wealthy businessman and former British Army officer.

·        The Dynamics: Friends described the relationship as intensely magnetic but profoundly volatile. Andrews was deeply insecure and obsessed with securing a permanent commitment—specifically marriage—from Cressman.

·        The Volatility: Jealousy and possessiveness defined their union. Andrews frequently accused Cressman of infidelity, leading to explosive arguments. She feared losing the lifestyle and security that Cressman represented.

 

III. The Crime: Murder in Fulham:

In September 2000, after returning from a strained holiday on the French Riviera, the relationship reached a breaking point in their shared flat in Fulham, London.

·        The Investigation Findings: Forensic evidence and testimonies revealed that after a heated argument—during which Cressman had threatened to call the police—Cressman went to bed.

·        The Murder: While Cressman slept, Andrews struck him over the head with a cricket bat. While he was stunned or incapacitated, she stabbed him in the chest with a knife, killing him.

·        The Cover-Up: Following the murder, Andrews fled the scene. She sent fraudulent text messages to Cressman’s phone, acting as if she were looking for him to create an alibi and the illusion of innocence.

 

IV. Arrest and Investigation:

Following the discovery of Cressman's body, a manhunt ensued.

·        The Suicide Attempt: Four days after the murder, police found Andrews unconscious in her car near a cliff edge in Cornwall. She had taken an overdose of pills in a suicide attempt but survived.

·        Charges: Upon her recovery, she was formally arrested and charged with the murder of Thomas Cressman.

 

V. The Trial, Verdict, and Sentencing:

The trial held at the Old Bailey in 2001 was a media sensation, heavily focused on Andrews' former proximity to the Royal Family.

·        The Defense: Andrews’ legal team argued that she was a victim of coercive control and abuse at the hands of Cressman. They claimed she acted in a frantic state of mind during a severe emotional crisis, essentially arguing a defense of provocation.

·        The Prosecution: Prosecutors painted a starkly different picture, arguing that the crime was premeditated, fueled by obsession, and carried out with cold calculation.

·        Verdict: The jury rejected her defense. In May 2001, Jane Andrews was convicted of murder.

·        Sentence: She was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum tariff of 15 years.

 

VI. Aftermath and Release:

Following her conviction, Andrews' story took several unexpected turns.

·        Appeal: In 2009, her minimum tariff was reduced by three years to 12 years due to evidence of her rehabilitation in prison.

·        Release and Recapture: Andrews was released on parole in 2015. However, in 2018, she was returned to prison for violating her license conditions after police received allegations that she was harassing a new partner.

·        Final Release: She was released from prison for a second time in 2019. 

 

Summary Table:

 

Aspect	Details
Name	Jane Andrews
Former Role	Personal Dresser to Sarah, Duchess of York (1987–1996)
Victim	Tom Cressman (Boyfriend)
Date of Crime	September 2000
Method	Blunt force (cricket bat) and stabbing
Conviction	Murder (May 2001)
Sentence	Life (Minimum 15 years, reduced to 12 on appeal)
Current Status	Released on parole (2019)

  

Here is the updated, comprehensive story of Jane Andrews, focusing heavily on her trials, the media frenzy, and her life following her release from prison.

 

The case of Jane Andrews remains one of the most jarring examples of "Fatal Attraction" in modern British history. It is a story that bridges the gap between the glitz of the Royal Family and the brutal reality of a suburban murder, marked by a prolonged, sensational media circus.

 

I. The Media Circus and Trial (2001):

The trial at the Old Bailey was dominated by the juxtaposition of Andrews’ former life and her current actions.

·        The Narrative of Obsession: The prosecution portrayed Andrews as a "woman scorned"—a social climber obsessed with maintaining a luxurious lifestyle and securing a wealthy husband. They argued that when Tom Cressman refused to marry her, her obsession turned murderous.

·        The Defense of Coercion: Andrews’ team attempted a defense of diminished responsibility, arguing that Cressman was abusive and that Andrews was suffering from extreme emotional turmoil triggered by his rejection. She claimed he had raped and assaulted her on the day of the murder, a claim rejected by the jury.

·        Media Frenzy: Because Andrews was previously close to Sarah, Duchess of York, the tabloids termed her "Fergie’s Killer Dresser." Every detail of her royal service, her lifestyle, and her relationship with Cressman was scrutinized.

 

II. Verdict and Life Behind Bars:

Andrews was found guilty of murder in May 2001 and sentenced to life with a minimum of 15 years.

·        Prison Life and Appeal: During her imprisonment, Andrews was described as a model prisoner, engaging in education and therapy. She famously launched an appeal against her conviction based on "fresh" psychiatric evidence regarding childhood abuse, but this was rejected in 2003.

·        The Escape (2009): In a dramatic turn of events, Andrews absconded from the East Sutton Park open prison in Kent in November 2009. She was missing for three days, triggering a nationwide manhunt, before being found in a hotel room in Cobham, Surrey, with her family.

 

III. Release, Recapture, and Re-release:

The path to freedom was turbulent and required multiple hearings.

·        First Release (2015): After serving 14 years, Andrews was released on license in June 2015. She was subject to strict monitoring conditions.

·        Recapture (2018): In 2018, Andrews was recalled to prison after police received allegations that she was harassing a new partner. She remained in custody while authorities investigated the claims.

·        Final Release (2019): Following an investigation, it was determined there was insufficient evidence of harassment. Andrews was released again in August 2019, on the condition that she reside in a designated probation hostel and adhere to continued strict monitoring.

·         

IV. The Aftermath and Current Status:

Today, Jane Andrews lives in obscurity, having been largely dropped by the social circles she once craved.

·        The Family of the Victim: The aftermath has been devastating for Tom Cressman's family. His brother, Rick Cressman, has frequently spoken out, expressing anger that Andrews served such a relatively short time for a brutal murder, arguing that her celebrity connection led to lenient treatment.

·        The Duchess of York: While Sarah Ferguson originally left voicemails for Andrews urging her to turn herself in after the murder, the Duchess has since distanced herself completely from her former dresser.

·        Current Situation: As of 2026, Andrews remains out of the public eye. She is prohibited from contacting certain individuals and is subject to parole conditions that limit her movement and lifestyle.

 

Summary of Key Events:

 

Date	Event
1987-1996	Employed as dresser to Sarah, Duchess of York.
Sept 2000	Murders Tom Cressman in Fulham, London.
May 2001	Convicted of murder, sentenced to life (15-year minimum).
Nov 2009	Escapes from open prison, recaptured 3 days later.
June 2015	Released on parole.
May 2018	Recalled to prison for alleged harassment.
Aug 2019	Re-released on parole.

  

Here are the specific details regarding the psychological reports from Jane Andrews’ appeal and the media coverage of her case.

 

Psychiatric Reports and Appeal Details:

Following her conviction in 2001, Andrews’ legal team, supported by the advocacy group Justice for Women, launched an appeal based on "fresh" psychiatric evidence that was not fully utilized during the original trial.

 

1. The 2003 Appeal Grounds:

The appeal, heard in September 2003, focused on the argument that Andrews was suffering from diminished responsibility at the time of the killing, which should have reduced the charge from murder to manslaughter.

·        Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Reports from two reputable psychiatrists diagnosed Andrews with BPD. They argued that her behavior—veering between intense love and deep dislike for Cressman, her frantic telephone calls (18 in one night), and threats of suicide—were classic symptoms of the disorder triggered by a fear of abandonment.

·        Childhood Trauma: The psychiatrists claimed to have "unlocked" repressed memories of severe childhood sexual abuse during therapy sessions in prison. The defense argued that these traumas made her psychologically vulnerable to coercive control in her relationship with Cressman.

·        Rejection of Evidence: The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal. Lord Justice Kennedy ruled that the psychiatric symptoms and the allegations of abuse were known—or should have been known—to the defense at the time of the trial. Therefore, the evidence was not considered "fresh" enough to overturn the jury's verdict.

 

2. The 2006 Tariff Reduction:

While the appeal against the conviction failed, a later appeal against the tariff (the minimum time served) was partially successful.

·        In 2006, the court reduced her minimum term from 12 years to 11 years, acknowledging that the original tariff-setting judge had not applied the law correctly. However, the court still did not fully consider the new psychiatric evidence as a mitigating factor in the crime itself.

 

Media Coverage and Documentaries

The Andrews case received intense tabloid attention due to the "Fergie" connection, but has also been the subject of more sober analysis.

 

1. Tabloid Narrative

Immediately following the murder, headlines focused on her "fall from grace," portraying her as a ruthless social climber or a "bunny boiler" obsessed with marriage. This narrative heavily influenced public perception during the 2001 trial.

 

2. Documentary: Fergie's Killer Dresser: The Jane Andrews Story

This documentary provided a comprehensive, retrospective look at the case, 20 years later.

·        Psychiatrist Interview: The film featured interviews with Dr. Trevor Turner, one of the psychiatrists who diagnosed Andrews. He argued that the legal system at the time failed to understand the dynamics of coercive control and how a victim of abuse might react differently than a typical "provoked" killer.

·        The Family of the Victim: The documentary also featured Tom Cressman’s family, who strongly opposed any attempts to frame Andrews as a victim, maintaining that she was a premeditated killer who deserved her full sentence.

·        Shifting Perspectives: The documentary highlighted how societal understanding of domestic abuse has shifted since 2001, questioning whether a jury today would render the same verdict based on the same evidence.

 

Summary of Key Legal Figures

 

Legal Aspect	Details
Defense Claim	Coercive control by Cressman, diminished responsibility.
Key Psychiatric Diagnosis	Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
Appeal Verdict (2003)	Dismissed; fresh evidence rejected.
Final Tariff (Min Time)	11 Years (Reduced on appeal in 2006).

  

Here are the specific details regarding the forensic investigation, the crime scene in Fulham, and the manhunt that led to Jane Andrews' arrest in Cornwall.

 

I.               The Crime Scene Investigation (Fulham Flat) 

Thomas Cressman was found dead on the afternoon of Monday, September 18, 2000, inside the mews house they shared in Maltings Place, Fulham. He had been dead for approximately 30 to 36 hours.

·        Forensic Evidence - The Body: A post-mortem revealed Cressman died from a single stab wound to the heart, which penetrated 10cm (4 inches) deep. However, forensics showed he had first been incapacitated.

·        The Cricket Bat: Forensic analysis of the cricket bat found in the house showed significant blood traces from Cressman, indicating he had been struck on the head with considerable force, likely while dozing or sleeping.

·        The Knife: A kitchen knife found in the property was identified as the murder weapon. Forensic testing linked it to the wound, and it was found near the body.

·        Defense Wounds: Forensics identified "cut marks" on Cressman’s hands, suggesting a desperate attempt to grab the knife as he was being stabbed.

·        Scene Manipulation: Detectives found that Andrews had attempted to stage the scene to support a claim of self-defense. She had tied a bathrobe cord between the bedroom door handle and a bannister, aiming to create the illusion that she was trying to keep Cressman out of the room, or trap him inside, depending on which narrative she was promoting.

 

 

II. The Manhunt and Forensic Tracking 

Following the murder, Andrews fled London, initiating a four-day nationwide manhunt.

·        Alibi Fraud: In an attempt to cover her tracks, Andrews sent text messages to Cressman’s phone—knowing he was dead—and to friends, asking if they had seen him and acting as if she were worried about his whereabouts.

·        Locating the Car: Police traced Andrews by monitoring her bank usage and tracking her vehicle, a white Volkswagen Polo.

·        Cornwall Apprehension: On the morning of Wednesday, September 20, 2000, a uniformed officer from Devon and Cornwall Police spotted the car parked in a lay-by on the A38 road near Liskeard.

·        Condition of the Suspect: Andrews was found unconscious in the back of the car, having taken an overdose of Nurofen (painkillers) in a suicide attempt. She was rushed to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth for treatment before being fit for interrogation. 

 

III. Psychological Evidence and Witness Testimonies

The investigation focused heavily on the toxic dynamics of the relationship.

·        Financial Disparity: Investigations confirmed Andrews was heavily dependent on Cressman's wealth, and she was desperate to secure her future through marriage, which he consistently refused.

·        The Police Call: It was revealed that earlier on the day of the murder, Cressman had called the police during a heated argument, stating Andrews was harassing him. When police arrived, they mediated the dispute and left, not realizing the imminent danger.

·        Psychiatric Profiling: During the trial, psychiatrists analyzing Andrews found she exhibited behaviors consistent with Borderline Personality Disorder, characterized by an intense fear of abandonment, shifting perceptions of a partner (from idealization to devaluation), and impulsivity.

 

Investigation Summary

 

Evidence Component	Forensic/Investigative Finding
Time of Death	Approx. 1:00 AM - 3:00 AM, Sunday, Sept 17
Cause of Death	Stab wound to the heart, preceded by blunt force trauma
Weapons	Cricket bat (found at scene) & Kitchen knife
Forensic Marks	Blood spatter on walls; defense wounds on victim's hands
Staging	Robe cord tied to door handle (attempted fraud)
Detection Method	Car registration tracking (ANPR) and bank monitoring

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