Teacher Accused of ‘Chilling Domestic Execution’ of Cheating Boyfriend
Fiona Beal, a 50-year-old primary school teacher from Northampton, is on trial for the murder of her boyfriend, Nick Billingham. According to the prosecution, Beal lured Billingham into their bedroom on November 1, 2021, under the guise of having sex. She then stabbed him in the neck while he was tied to the bed.
To conceal her crime, Beal purchased multiple cleaning products, including those for Venetian blinds, a new mop and bucket, ultra heavy-duty bin bags, a new mattress, bedding, clothing, wall art, and mirrors. She also bought duct tape, heavy-duty long gardening gloves, a stainless steel digging spade, and a galvanised incinerator bin garden leaves wood burner.
The prosecution alleges that Beal wrapped Billingham’s body in cables, hosepipes, and plastic bags and buried him in a makeshift grave in their garden. A post-mortem examination determined that he died from a single stab wound to the neck, which would have required moderate to severe force.
Despite the gruesome nature of the crime, Beal is said to have carried on with her life as normal, showing no signs of distress. The prosecution contends that she is guilty of murder, while the defense argues that she suffered from mental health issues and was in a coercive and controlling relationship with Billingham.
Beal has admitted manslaughter but denies murder. The trial is ongoing.
