…By Joseph Benjamin for TDPel Media.
Fiona Beal, a primary school teacher, is currently on trial for the alleged murder of her long-term partner, Nicholas Billingham.
However, Beal denies the charge and argues that her mental state, which she describes as “broken,” should lead to a conviction of the lesser offense of manslaughter.
During her testimony at Northampton Crown Court, the 49-year-old stated that she has no recollection of killing Mr. Billingham.
She further claimed that her only memories regarding the disposal of his remains are a vague “dragging sensation” and seeing what could have been the body wrapped in the dining room.
The Prosecution’s Allegations and Beal’s Testimony
According to the prosecution’s case, Beal is accused of concealing a knife in a bedside drawer and persuading Mr. Billingham, 42, to wear an eye mask before fatally stabbing him in their bedroom on November 1, 2021, prior to 6:25 PM.
In her testimony, Beal faced questions from prosecutor Steven Perian KC about several aspects, including her sex life with Mr. Billingham, the content of a journal alleged to contain plans related to the killing and disposal of the body, as well as online orders placed after November 1.
Beal’s Account of her Relationship and Alleged Incidents
During her testimony, Beal discussed her relationship with Mr. Billingham and the changes it underwent over their 17-year partnership.
She stated that their sex life had evolved significantly, with Mr. Billingham expressing a desire for “more extreme things” and engaging in spitting on her.
Beal firmly contested any suggestion that Mr. Billingham had not spat on her, asserting that she was telling the truth while accusing the prosecutor of lying.
Beal’s State of Mind and Cannabis Consumption
When questioned about her actions following an alleged incident in which she claimed to be “forced” into sex in mid-October 2021, Beal revealed that she felt trapped and lacked the confidence to leave the house or contact the police.
The prosecution asserts that Beal informed her school that she had contracted COVID-19, but they argue that she never tested positive for the virus.
Beal admitted uncertainty about whether she had actually contracted COVID-19, as her memory suggests she did, despite evidence indicating otherwise.
Additionally, she admitted to consuming a substantial amount of cannabis, smoking around ten joints per day, costing her approximately £50 a week.
Further Details and Testimony
During her testimony, Beal also stated that she did not know if she had taken a weapon or ties to the bedroom.
She denied putting a mask on her partner’s face and expressed uncertainty about instructing him to wear one.
Beal acknowledged that it was not uncommon for Mr. Billingham to be asked to strip before engaging in sexual activities.