Fiona Beal, a primary school teacher, has confessed to the manslaughter of her partner, Nicholas Billingham, but denies murder, as chilling details emerge in the ongoing trial at the Old Bailey.
Fiona Beal, a 50-year-old primary school teacher from Northampton, has confessed to the manslaughter of her partner, Nicholas Billingham, admitting she killed him by reason of a loss of control but denied the murder charge. The case is currently being tried at the Old Bailey. Billingham’s body was found buried in the garden of the home they shared, several months after his disappearance dating between October and November 2021.
Prosecutor Hugh Davies KC presented evidence suggesting that Beal had planned the attack, which involved stabbing Billingham while he was wearing a sleep mask. Subsequent to the attack, Beal allegedly constructed a makeshift coffin using concrete, breeze blocks, timber, and sheets to bury him in their garden. To cover up the crime, Beal is said to have sent messages from Billingham’s phone, deceiving friends and family by claiming he had left due to an affair and was suffering from Covid-19.
Further disturbing details were revealed through journal entries discovered in a rented cabin, where Beal, under the pseudonym “Tulip 22”, outlined her actions and struggles with disposing of the body. These journals indicated a premeditated aspect to the crime, with Beal reflecting on the murder and the subsequent cover-up efforts.
The trial at the Old Bailey continues, where these details and the full narrative of the events leading to Billingham’s death are being examined over a six-week period.
