"In the days that followed, we started to see that perhaps it was all true, and that was confirmed when we started the excavation in the garden and discovered Patricia and William were there.". Nottinghamshire is among the top 20 most dangerous counties in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, the prosecution insisted that the Edwardses had both been present on that fateful weekend and it was most likely that, as a former gun club member, Christopher himself had fired the shots from a Second World War vintage .38 revolver. Susan (Olivia Colman) and Christopher Edwards (David Thewlis) killed the couple to steal their money syphoning off more than 250,000 in savings and benefits payments while pretending the couple were enjoying a happy retirement. Susan had assets of 11,608, but nearly all of that was tied up in Hollywood memorabilia. Some letters and cards were signed by herself on behalf of her parents, but others were supposedly actually signed by her parents - even though they had been dead for many years. The case was thrown into the spotlight in 2013 when builders converting the former Newark Police Station found a bag of evidence containing bicycle handlebars. In March 2014, during an appearance at Nottingham Crown Court, Susan and Christopher Edwards admitted for the first time that they had buried the Wycherleys in the garden of the house in Blenheim. Relaxing hotel-based holidays in the sun, with a Saga host on hand. While Susan and Christopher admitted they had buried the Wycherleys in the garden, they denied murder. Moorside were excellent in every respect. She said that the caller hung up when she answered the phone. Sign up for it here. The data published by the Police are incidents that were . Forest Town is a former mining village on the outskirts of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England.After continuous development it is no longer a separate entity, nowadays being simply an area within Mansfield. Something went wrong, please try again later. About 15 minutes after she had gone to bed, Mrs Wilson heard the dog barking and scratching at the door. As filming begins on Landscapers, the Olivia Colman crime drama about two of Nottinghamshire's most gruesome murders, we look back at the details of the case. When they were arrested at St Pancras, their luggage amounted to just a few worn suitcases. There have been some arrests, but no-one has ever been convicted, Never miss a crime story with our free email updates. They were each handed a life sentence with a minimum of 25 years. Officers think Mr Landa picked up the customer before driving to Cyprus Road, about a mile away. They thought that Christopher Edwards had also been present on that weekend when the Wycherleys were killed. Hospital appointments were cancelled. Investigators would later argue the Edwardses had been motivated to carry out their crime by two things: money and revenge. With the Wycherleys gone, the Edwardses set about covering up their cold-blooded crime in a deceit which would last 15 years. With the British police having no jurisdiction in France, finding the couple and bringing them back to the UK could have taken months. Police have never worked out who was responsible for Mr Coniam's killing, but suspect it might have been connected to the victim's drug addiction. After hearing the evidence the judge said 'I have come firmly to the view it is my duty to stop the case because no jury, properly directed by me, could possibly return any verdict other than a verdict of not guilty'. He went on to add that the only evidence linking the 21-year-old man to the murder was that of Kevin Childerley's wife and noted that the whole case hinged on her memory, stating that after recovering from her injuries, she had had no recollection of the events to enable her to identify her assailant or assailants, even if they were known to her. Including breaking news, reports from Nottingham Crown Court and in-depth features. In his evidence, Christopher said he had agreed to bury his in-laws because he believed his wifes story and didnt want to throw her to the wolves by going to the police. Kevin Childerley's wife had said that she remembered waking up to see the 32-year-old man with his hand over Kevin Childerley's mouth and striking out at him. Inspired by real events, the drama is set against the backdrop of a Nottinghamshire mining community still dealing with the hangover of the 1984 strikes, as police try to hunt two unrelated killers. And the results of the post mortem not yet been finalised. She said that they were both drug addicts and that the 27-year-old man had come to her house in late April 1991 in a nervous stating and looking for drugs. 1784 14 December Charles Thompson died, leaving his fortune to various local charities. It was a warm night and Mr Wilson wore a suit. His grave is near the junction of Southwell Road and . They took the Wycherley's private pensions, industrial injuries benefits, winter fuel payments and Christmas bonuses. Just over two decades ago Susan and Christopher Edwards shot the former's parents dead on a quiet cul-de-sac in Mansfield. Mansfield garden bodies murders: Pair jailed for life 23 June 2014 Police custody picture Susan Edwards and Christopher Edwards murdered Patricia and William Wychereley in 1998 A husband and wife. "The discovery in their former garden last week may be the reason why. A free pneumonia vaccine was turned down in December 2006. Discover your ideal travel experience. The couple managed to get away with their crime, committed in Forest Town, Notts., for 15 years, forging letters and documents to make it seem as though the Wycherleys were still alive. On October 15, police confirmed that the investigation was now a murder inquiry. So, I dont buy that this could have been a spur-of-the-moment crime. It's thought that the Wycherleys had kept an inheritance from Susan's step-grandmother that was meant for Susan, and the murders were part of a dark plot to reclaim the cash. The caravan was found secure and nothing had been stolen, leading police to assume Mr Cope had invited his attacker inside. They were found guilty in 2014, with the judge calling Susan "an accomplished liar and a fantasist". And police had also been trying to get in touch with the couple's daughter - 55-year-old Susan Edwards. A BBC One crime drama examines how murder ignites the deep divides in a former mining community. They'd been shot dead by their own daughter, Susan Edwards who Olivia Colman plays in new Sky drama, Landscapers which starts on Tuesday 7 December. The latest crime news from Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. It was found the next day in a Basford garden. Neighbours and relatives were told that the Wycherleys had gone travelling or had moved to the coast for health reasons. At some point, she threw the gun on the bed. Neighbours also recalled seeing him up to his waist digging in the garden at the time. Does equity release affect inheritance tax? But someone, it was clear, had sold it. The 19-year-old has been hunted since 2003 when Arnold jeweller Marian Bates was killed during a robbery. Tel: 01623 615 219. In another twist, the court heard that letters Christopher believed the couple had been receiving from actor Gerard Depardieu were actually written by his wife. Everything about Landscapers is magical, there is nothing like it.". They admitted obstructing a coroner in the execution of his duty by burying the bodies between May 2 and May 10, 1998. Cleary appealed and was released after serving 9 years. Worked for Notts police for 25 years and didn't even . The police said that they were interested in tracing a man that was seen running from the direction of their house in Sherwood Street at about 2am Monday 19 February 1990. You need to sign in to tag. And for 15 years, the Edwards had pretended the elderly couple were still alive as they stole their money, sold their house - and even sent fake Christmas cards to relatives to keep up the pretence. When the case went to trial at Nottingham Crown Court in June 2014, Susan admitted manslaughter of her mother on the basis that she was provoked. Bizarrely, his wife said they had then watched the Eurovision Song Contest on television, before bringing the bodies downstairs and burying them in the garden. Teacher made 'catastrophic mistake' before crash that killed pensioner, 73-year-old Yvonne Roberts was on her way to a friend's house, Man arrested over 'nasty assault' in Notts village that left another man with head injuries, It was reported a man in his 20s was assaulted. This record is closed and cannot be viewed or reproduced as a digital or printed copy. Instead of going along with it, Christopher's stepmother called the police, who in turn found the bodies buried in the garden. Susan Edwards admitted the manslaughter of her mother, on the basis that she was provoked - a plea which was not accepted by the prosecution. Enter the tag you would like to associate with this record and click 'Add tag'. In fact Pat and Bill, as they were known, had been shot and buried by their daughter Susan Edwards and her husband Christopher. When the cab arrived, the pair went outside together, with Mr Wilson taking his usual stroll with the dog. DETECTIVES trying to track down the killer of Omar Watson were met with a wall of silence. He was stabbed 14 times at the base of his skull as he walked the family's pet dog, Blackie, in the early hours of September 8, 1963. The 37-year-old disappeared after a night out in Nottingham on Saturday, April 28, 2007. Christopher Edwards also launched an appeal but his was rejected on paper at an earlier stage and he did not pursue his case to a full court hearing. She said that she then heard a noise like a body falling from the bed and then silence. Police outside the house in Blenheim Close, Inspector Mark Webster addresses the media. Kevin Childerley's wife was left blind in one eye from the attack. Definitive identification would take weeks or months. They were each sentenced to life with a minimum of 25 years. MR Cope was found in a pool of blood in his caravan at Radcliffe-on-Trent Caravan Park, in Wharf Lane, on October 9, 1964. Within the space of a few weeks, a former mining community was rocked by two gruesome killings, completely separate but just a few miles apart. At about 11pm, Mrs Wilson heard a knock on the door but no one was there. A month after the murder investigation was launched in 2013, Det Ch Insp received a surprising email marked high importance it was from Christopher. Christopher would pose as the Wycherleys' nephew and the killers told neighbours and relatives their victims had moved away to various places, including to Ireland for the "good air". 14 Feb. Police car rammed by stolen van on M1. A couple, presumed by the neighbours to berelatives, appeared every few weeks to check up on the house and mow the lawn. He watched Nottingham Forest secure a 3-0 win over Watford that afternoon before welcoming customers to his Sneinton pub the Fox and Grapes. They go right back to the 1960s - with three cases from that decade yet to be solved - and peak during the early 2000s when the city was in the grip of gun and gang crime. Just over three hours later, his body was found in the driver's seat at the former Gedling Colliery sports field in Lambley Lane. 2. It was heard that they were charged mainly on Kevin Childerley's wife's memory coming back to her ten months later, but at the trial it was heard that it was unlikely or impossible that her memories could have been real. It should have been her day off. Mrs Wilson went upstairs to the pub's private quarters at 12.20pm . But they continued to deny that they had murdered the couple between May 1 and May 5, 1998. Gladys Godfrey was killed at her home on the Ladybrook estate in Mansfield in September 2002. "The imposition of this minimum term will probably result in her dying in prison.". He said: "We submit that it does have the potential to have been a slow-burning provocation over the years, and that the judge, if she did reject it, was wrong to do so.". High levels of cover from an award winning provider, 3-year fixed price with no tie-ins - T&Cs apply. . NG19 7FJ. A jury of eight women and four men dismissed the couple's story and took just over six hours to unanimously convict them of murder. His body was found in St Ann's Hill Road shortly before midnight with stab wounds to the chest and abdomen. Place: Sherwood Street, Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottingham. Eventually the property was sold and no one gave much thought again to Patricia and William Wycherley. DWP to tell Cost of Living payment claimants dates before being made this spring, A 900 payment will be paid to those on means tested benefits in three instalments this year, Everton hit with penalty by the FA ahead of Nottingham Forest clash, Latest Nottingham Forest news from NottinghamshireLive as Everton fined prior to Premier League meeting with Reds, Microwave 'thrown at officers' in Nottinghamshire as injured woman found in attic, The sound of people fighting was heard from outside the address in the early hours, Tributes paid to owner of one of Nottingham's 'best-loved greasy spoons', 'We all feel like the cafe won't be the same without him now', Cocaine and heroin found in Nottinghamshire drug dealer's bedroom, Christian Franklin was convicted of possession with intent to supply heroin and cocaine as well as possession of an offensive weapon, Haulage yard site to be transformed into new Co-op store, Planning permission has been granted for the project, Cold weather alert issued for Nottinghamshire as snow to hit next week, Brits urged to check up on elderly and other vulnerable people as UK Health Security Agency warns of dangers from cold weather, Discount food shop to bring 23 jobs to Nottinghamshire town, The discount shop is running a competition on its opening day, Simon Jordan sends Evangelos Marinakis message to Steve Cooper amid Nottingham Forest speculation, Latest Nottingham Forest news from NottinghamshireLive as Simon Jordan wades in on speculation surrounding the future of head coach Steve Cooper, Teacher made 'catastrophic mistake' before crash that killed pensioner, 73-year-old Yvonne Roberts was on her way to a friend's house, Steve Cooper sets clear Nottingham Forest stance with passionate response amid speculation, Latest Nottingham Forest news from NottinghamshireLive as Reds prepare to face Everton at City Ground, Huge queues at city centre shop as closing-down sale underway, Shoppers have lined Clumber Street in search of a bargain. Please could you notify the UK Border Force at Lille Europe so that they may expect us.". 16-year-old knocked man unconscious in defence of autistic boy under attack, A scuffle broke out in Nottingham Railway Station, Neighbours 'very scared' as huge police response called to attack on young man, 'Selfish' gang of graffiti vandals branded 'idiots' after defacing trains, They used the cover of darkness to spray large 'tag' names on carriages, What is Cuckooing? In the meantime, Nottinghamshire detectives had tried to contact the Edwards by phone and e-mail, but after receiving one response there had been nothing more. His 32-year-old wife was also injured in the attack. But to begin with there was no hard evidence of who they were. The 25-year-old had moved out of his family home just a few weeks before his body was found by a neighbour at his new flat in Chiltern Way, Bestwood. The aim of this article is to provide a brief overview of street level crime in Mansfield using the latest Police statistics. Loose Women star lined up to be Strictly's first contestant in wheelchair, GMB's Kate Garraway reveals crippling cost of caring for her husband Derek, Katie Price quits her big money TV comeback plunging show into chaos, Pregnant Dani Dyer shows off growing bump as she prepares for twin girls, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. A jury of eight women and four men took six hours to convict unanimously Susan and Christopher Edwards of murder. The version of events told by Edwards, now 56, was all but identical to that told by her husband Christopher. Nottinghamshire Police tried without success to contact the couple. The 33-year-old, of Bulwell, was killed by a single bullet to the back of her head as she left The Drum, in Ilkeston Road, on November 9, 2002. It took sixteen years before the truth came to light and the pair were imprisoned for murder. His stepmother went to the police at the beginning of October, 2014. His wife had 11,608, much of which was tied up in memorabilia yet to be sold. December 2021 was also a bad month for Mansfield residents, when it was Nottinghamshire's most dangerous major town for burglary, recording 28 crimes at a rate of 0.34 per 1,000 residents. Of course, they'd already been dead and buried for 13 years. Van driver rammed police cars during M1 chase. WHILE the motive for Sheila Egner's murder seemed clear, who the killer was still remains a mystery. The remains of Patricia, 63, and William, 85, were soon discovered wrapped in duvets and buried on top of one another. After shooting her mother, Susan said she hid the bodies under a bed before driving home to London, and that it was only after stopping for fish and chips on the way to Mansfield the following week that she told her husband what had happened. We place some essential cookies on your device to make this website work. Susan and her husband Christopher, 57, had previously been living in a rented flat in Dagenham, East London, but in 2012 they had moved to live in Lille, France. 14 Feb. 33. The most meaningful clue was that the killer was a hooded man. She had been struck with a flat instrument. TWO days before his death on Thursday, November 7, 2002, John Shippam was assaulted at a fireworks display at the Anchor pub, in Gunthorpe. If it had been, the Edwardses would have been consumed by guilt.. Neither William nor Patricia were ever reported missing and we can find no evidence of either of them being alive or dead," said Detective Chief Inspector Rob Griffin. Police believe several people knew who his killer, was but were too worried about their own safety to come forward. Prosecutors say that he and his wife shot dead the couple, Patricia Wycherley, 63, and William. After the judge directed the jury to return a not guilty verdict on the 32-year-old man, the prosecution dropped their case against the other 27-year-old man and he was also acquitted. [1] Before 1907 the village was known as Hucknall-under . As Mr Wycherley's 100th birthday approached, the Department for Work and Pensions wrote to him requesting a face-to-face interview. 1729 Mansfield's first workhouse was built on Nottingham Road. Sherwood Pines 854 Parks Forests Open now By annie_is_lovely We did the gruffalo trail with the kids which they enjoyed and also spent time in the play areas. He added that it was only an outside chance that she had suffered from psychogenic or emotionally-induced amnesia and that after having read all of her previous statements and hearing her describe her memory recall, the evidence did not agree with his experience or with relevant medical textbooks. The house was, to the outside eye, an unremarkable property - a semi-detached home on on the corner of a small cul-de-sac, with neat little gardens front and back. The prosecution never believed that Susan Edwards had been visiting her parents on her own over the bank holiday weekend. The 56-year-old had last been seen by work colleagues two days before. The murder of Colette sent shockwaves through the close-knit community and sparked one of the biggest murder investigations ever carried out by Notts Police. Convicted. The pathologist said that the post-mortem examination found a blood-stained footprint on Kevin Childerley's back as well as extensive injuries to his forehead that he considered had been caused by an axe. But there are still more than a dozen historical murder cases in Notts which are over ten years old and remain unsolved. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. One 2005 letter purportedly from Patricia declining an appointment at a chest clinic said she was "feeling better" and was staying with relatives. What police do know is that Mr Ghafoor visited a petrol station at the junction of Mapperley Plains and Woodthorpe Drive in the early hours of Tuesday, November 22, 1994. "And you go, 'okay, well that's not what everyone has told us?! Everything we recommend is independently chosen irrespective of affiliate agreements. DCI Griffin decided to alert British police anyway to meet the next Eurostar to arrive at London St Pancras International from Lille in the slim hope that the Edwards would be on board. Terence Shane McCready (29) of no fixed abode, also faces charges of . Detectives believe he had given someone a lift home. Mr Landa's shift was due to end when he was dispatched to Peel Street at about 4am to pick up a fare waiting at a telephone box. THE body of lorry driver Kevin Coniam was dumped in the back of his gold Volvo Estate in a lonely spot near Mansfield. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. But a police spokesman later said they had been forensically tested and eliminated as the murder weapon. Please ensure the tag is appropriate for the record. He had been shot dead some time between 3.30am and 10.30am. A post-mortem later revealed the Wycherleys had each been shot twice. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Police raid Nottingham home 'taken against owner's will', Police are investigating cuckooing after forcing their way into a house in Bilborough as part of a drugs raid, Police investigation after man found with stab wounds in Ilkeston, Hoard of suspected poached deer skulls and fox tails found in drugs raid in Nottinghamshire, Cannabis, bleach and a knife were also found at an address, police said, Cuckooing reports Nottingham house 'taken over against owner's will', Five people were arrested in connection with the investigation, Cannabis user for 30 years handed harsher penalty after repeated fines, Search for Constance Martens baby ends in tragedy as remains found, Police confirmed the news at a press conference, Fires lit and memorial bench vandalised at Nottinghamshire golf course, A gate that allows disabled users to access the course has also been destroyed, Nottingham men charged in people smuggling investigation, They will next appear at Nottingham Crown Court on March 29, Drugged-up robber threatened to stab owner of family-run shop during raid.