A convicted murderer who was once the Duchess of York’s assistant is believed to have attempted to commit suicide at an open prison in Sutton Valence.
A national newspaper has reported that Jane Andrews swallowed paracetamol tablets at HMP East Sutton Park – where she is serving a life sentence for murdering Tom Cressman.
A Prison Service spokesperson said: “We can confirm that a prisoner was taken to an outside hospital on Thursday, November 19 and subsequently returned to prison."
The Sun claims fellow inmates found the 40-year-old former friend and dresser of Fergie “slumped” in her cell and alerted staff of the possible overdose.
Andrews was jailed in 2001 for killing her 39-year-old victim by stabbing and battering him with a cricket bat for refusing to marry her.
It is believed she had only been transferred from Send prison, in Surrey, to the open female prison just hours before the incident.
The apparent suicide attempt comes just days after it was revealed the prisoner intends to sell pictures created for her by the Duchess’ children – Princess Beatrice and Eugenie.
Another newspaper claims Andrews plans to sell the horde of pictures drawn by the Queen’s granddaughters to an overseas buyer.
Friends have told the newspaper the convicted killer calls the paintings her “pension”.
Andrews is eligible for patrol in February 2012 and still owns a £600,000 flat in Battersea, South London, which earns her savings of £30,000 a year from renting it out.
Her victim’s mother, Barbara Cressman, is said to be angered by the prospect of her son’s former lover being released early.
The 81-year-old told The Daily Telegraph: “Jane was given a life sentence and she will only serve 11 years. I have also been given a life sentence without my darling Tom.
“After eight-and-a-half years, I am just exhausted. I do know that Jane Andrews has tried to secure a place in an open prison.
“She won't be out on parole until February 2012, but I have no chance of parole and neither does my family."
“I just don't think that 11 years is enough for a cold-blooded murder. I think that possibly she has been given special treatment; it seems that her experience has been quite comfortable.”
HMP East Sutton Park is described as a “pleasant mansion house overlooking the Weald of Kent” and currently houses 100 female prisoners.
Inmates spend their time carrying out farm and gardening work, as well as learning catering skills and attending training courses, in preparation for their release into the community.
POSTED: 23/11/2009 10:48:10
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