Fiona Beal: Trial of murder accused Northampton teacher will continue this week

Jurors will begin to hear more evidence tomorrow
Megan Hillery
By Megan Hillery
Published 5th Jun 2023, 10:49 GMT
Updated 5th Jun 2023, 10:50 GMT
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The trial of a former Northampton primary school teacher accused of murdering her partner will continue this week after a two-week break.

Fiona Beal, aged 49, of Moore Street last appeared at Northampton Crown Court on Monday, May 22 when a forensic psychologist gave evidence about her mental state after she fatally stabbed her partner, Nicholas Billingham, on November 1, 2021 and buried him in their garden.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dr John Cordwell told the jury he believes that Beal suffers from ongoing severe depression and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) partially because of Mr Billingham’s conduct towards her throughout their 17 year relationship.

Most Popular
Fiona Beal, aged 49, of Moore Street is accused of stabbing 42-year-old Nicholas Billingham and burying his body in their rear garden in November 2021.Fiona Beal, aged 49, of Moore Street is accused of stabbing 42-year-old Nicholas Billingham and burying his body in their rear garden in November 2021.
Fiona Beal, aged 49, of Moore Street is accused of stabbing 42-year-old Nicholas Billingham and burying his body in their rear garden in November 2021.

The former Eastfield Academy teacher denies murder due to her mental state at the time. She claims that she was in a “coercive” relationship with Mr Billingham, which left her “broken.”

The trial was initially scheduled to continue on May 23 before taking a break for the entirety of the week commencing May 29. However, this did not happen due to a member of counsel in the trial being unwell.

Therefore, no further evidence has been heard in the last two weeks.

The trial will now resume tomorrow morning (Tuesday, June 6).

Court will not be sitting on Thursday, June 8 or Friday, June 9.