Police in search for killer ex-royal aide

Police search for escaped ex-royal aide who murdered her boyfriend in 2000

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Tuesday, 24, Nov 2009 12:24

By Sarah Garrod

Police have confirmed the disappearance of a former royal aide who was serving a life sentence for the murder of her boyfriend.

Jane Andrews, 42, is said to be "vulnerable" after escaping from an open prison, East Park, in Maidstone in Kent.

She is serving a life sentence for the murder of Thomas Cressman, who she stabbed and beat to death with a cricket bat and kitchen knife at their London home in 2000.

Assistant chief constable Andy Adams said: "We are becoming increasingly concerned for Jane's welfare and would urge anyone who has any information that will help us locate her safe and well to come forward."

Andrews, a former aide to the Duchess of York, escaped from the prison on Sunday evening, police confirmed. She is eligible for parole in 2012, after appealing her sentence which was reduced to 12 years.

She was wearing a black and white striped top, black jeans, a black body warmer and black trainers when last seen, police said.

Rick Cressman, the brother of Thomas Cressman, told the BBC his family had opposed the moving of Andrews to an open prison, describing the decision as "wholly inappropriate and pretty offensive to the family and to the memory of my brother".

Andrews is described by police as having a fair complexion, very long straight brown hair and is of slim build.

Mr Adams added: "We are working closely with the prison service to locate Ms Andrews. We have no information to suggest she is a threat to the general public, however we must be mindful that in 2000 she was convicted of murder."

Anyone with any information on her whereabouts is asked to contact police in mid-Kent on 01622 654321 or Missing People on 0500 700 700. Anyone who believes they have seen Andrews should call Kent Police on 01622 690690 immediately.