The story of Jane Andrews is one that continues to fascinate, disturb, and intrigue readers more than two decades after her name first made headlines. Once a trusted dresser for Sarah, Duchess of York, Andrews’ life spiraled from royal privilege into infamy when she was convicted of murdering her wealthy boyfriend, Thomas Cressman.
Her journey—from humble beginnings to Buckingham Palace, from love affairs to scandal, and eventually to prison—is a gripping tale of ambition, heartbreak, and tragedy. This article dives deep into her life, exploring not only the infamous crime but also her early years, career, personal struggles, and what has become of Jane Andrews now.
Early Life and Struggles of Jane Andrews
Born on April 1, 1967, in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, Jane Andrews grew up in modest surroundings. Her father worked as a joiner, and her mother was a social worker. Despite a simple upbringing, Andrews was often troubled by anxiety, depression, and insecurity from an early age.
She attended Grimsby College of Art, where she studied fashion design. Creative and ambitious, she went on to design children’s clothing for Marks & Spencer. Yet, beneath the promising career lay struggles with mental health and a history of personal turmoil, including a suicide attempt as a teenager.
These early experiences foreshadowed the emotional fragility that would later shape her decisions and relationships.
Rising Inside the Royal Household
At 21, Andrews answered an advertisement in The Lady magazine for a position in the royal household. Within months, she became the personal dresser to Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York. This was a remarkable achievement for someone from a modest background, and Jane Andrews quickly found herself immersed in royal life.
For nearly a decade, she traveled with the Duchess, attended glamorous events, and lived in a world of privilege and prestige. But behind the glamour, she often felt like an outsider, struggling with self-worth and the pressure of maintaining appearances.
The royal role ended in 1997, leaving Andrews without the structure, identity, and prestige she had once enjoyed.
Jane Andrews’ Marriage and Personal Life
In 1990, Jane Andrews married Christopher Dunn-Butler, but the marriage ended in divorce just five years later. Her personal life was marked by intense relationships, emotional highs, and devastating lows.
She later entered a relationship with businessman Dimitri Horne, which also ended in heartbreak and left her emotionally shattered.
Her final and most infamous relationship would be with Thomas Cressman—a relationship that not only defined her downfall but also forever cemented her name in criminal history.
The Relationship with Thomas Cressman
In the late 1990s, Andrews met Thomas Cressman, a wealthy businessman. At first, their relationship seemed stable, and she moved into his luxury flat in Fulham, London.
However, tensions soon grew. Andrews reportedly longed for marriage, while Cressman allegedly made it clear that he would never propose. The rejection fueled her insecurities and deepened her emotional struggles.
In September 2000, their troubled relationship reached a breaking point.
The Murder That Shocked the Nation
On the night of September 17, 2000, events turned deadly. While Cressman slept, Jane Andrews attacked him with a cricket bat and stabbed him to death. The brutality of the crime shocked Britain, especially given her royal connections.
After the murder, Andrews fled, sparking a nationwide manhunt before she was eventually captured. Her defense argued that she had been emotionally abused and was suffering from mental health issues, including borderline personality disorder.
Despite these claims, the court found her guilty of murder in 2001.
Trial, Conviction, and Prison Life
At her trial at the Old Bailey, Andrews was portrayed as a woman who could not accept rejection. The jury convicted her of murder, and she was sentenced to life imprisonment.
During her time behind bars, she attempted escape in 2009 but was recaptured. Her years in prison were marked by ongoing struggles, though she reportedly tried to rebuild her life through therapy and rehabilitation.
Jane Andrews Now: Life After Release
After serving 14 years, Jane Andrews was released in 2015 on license. However, her freedom was not without complications. She was recalled to prison in 2018 for allegedly harassing a former lover but was later released again in 2019.
Today, reports suggest she lives a quieter life, working at a charity-run animal hospital. While her public appearances are scarce, the fascination with Jane Andrews now continues, with documentaries and dramas revisiting her story.
Media Portrayals and Public Fascination
The sensational nature of her crime and her royal connections have inspired numerous media portrayals. Most recently, ITV announced a drama series titled The Lady, produced by the creators of The Crown, to dramatize her life.
These depictions keep the memory of Jane Andrews alive in public consciousness, cementing her as one of Britain’s most notorious female criminals.
Jane Andrews Net Worth and Financial Status
While exact figures are unclear, Jane Andrews’ net worth is believed to be minimal. Unlike other infamous figures, she never had great personal wealth and lost most financial stability after her imprisonment.
Before her fall, she lived comfortably due to her partner’s wealth and her royal connections. Today, her earnings are modest, reportedly from work in animal care and rehabilitation.
Her financial decline mirrors the dramatic fall from privilege to obscurity.
Conclusion
The tale of Jane Andrews is a cautionary story about ambition, insecurity, and the destructive consequences of emotional instability. From her early days as a promising fashion designer and royal aide to her role as a convicted murderer, her life is marked by contrasts—privilege and despair, love and violence, freedom and imprisonment.
Even today, discussions about Jane Andrews now, her past relationships, her financial status, and her conviction continue to draw public attention. Her name remains etched in British criminal history, symbolizing the thin line between personal turmoil and public scandal.
FAQs
Who is Jane Andrews?
Jane Andrews is a former royal aide to Sarah, Duchess of York, who was convicted of murdering her boyfriend, Thomas Cressman, in 2000.
What happened to Jane Andrews?
She was sentenced to life in prison for murder in 2001, served 14 years, and was released on license in 2015.
Where is Jane Andrews now?
Reports suggest she lives quietly, working in an animal hospital, though she avoids public life.
Who was Jane Andrews’ husband?
Her husband was Christopher Dunn-Butler, whom she married in 1990 and divorced in 1995.
What is Jane Andrews’ net worth?
Her net worth is minimal today, with no significant assets or income beyond modest work after her release.
