Central News, Press Room, Central Criminal Court,
Central News, Press Room, Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey, LONDON, EC4.
Tel: 020 7236 0116.
Old Bailey/ps
eMail: news@centralnews.
co.
uk
http://www.
centralnews.
co.
uk
16 May 2001
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The father of ‘gentle’ murder victim Tom Cressman was teary-eyed as he told of his joy at the jury’s verdict.
Harry Cressman attended a press conference with ex-wife Barbara Cressman, present wife Christa and daughter Kathy Kerruish – Tom’s sister.
He said: ‘I feel the worst part of the trial without any doubt was hearing the story of her beating him first with a cricket bat and then stabbing him with the knife, partially removing it and then sticking it into him again.
What could be worse for the father.
‘Personally I do not believe in the death penalty.
I don’t think anybody has the right to take anybody else’s life.
‘
Asked how he felt about Andrews, he said: ‘Having lost a son at her hands how can I have sorrow for her.
I feel that the holiday she is going to have is the holiday she deserved.
‘She tried hard to destroy his reputation but thank the Lord she didn’t do it.
‘
Leaving the press conference, he raised his hands and shouted triumphantly: ‘The jury was great!’
DCI Jim Dickie praised the Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson for her co-operation in the murder investigation.
‘We had an interchange of information at an early stage.
The Duchess and the Duchesses household were really co-operative in the police investigation.
He added: ‘Jane Andrews brutally murdered Tom and then tried to cover her tracks.
Later when she knew she had no other way out, she alleged self-defence, that it was accidental, provocation and diminished responsibility.
‘Throughout this trial she has tried to destroy Tom’s character to portray herself in a more favourable light.
‘The Metropolitan Police Service takes allegations of domestic violence and rape very seriously, and for Jane Andrews to fabricate such allegations to try and absolve herself of her responsibility for murdering Tom is unforgivable.
‘Myself and my investigation team were all aware of the allegations which might be brought up.
Unfortunately dead men cannot defend their character.
‘We went out and sought to prove what a kind gentle and caring man Tom really was.
‘
A statement by the family of Tom Cressman read: ‘Although the verdict will not bring Tom back we now have a conclusion.
‘Our faith in British Justice has been rewarded.
‘Tom was a decent man – a caring and devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, godfather and friend.
‘All of us who loved him will remember him with pride.
We will remember too, the joy he gave us, his unfailing kindness, generosity, his ready smile and huge sense of fun as well as his zest for living.
‘He enriched out lives, his laughter lifted our spirits and our hearts were broadened by his love.
He had so much life ahead and so much to live for – so many unfulfilled plans and dreams.
‘
They thanked the police, prosecuting legal team, the press and their friends who had supported them over the ‘past difficult months.
‘
‘At this time we would like to say that we feel sorry for Jane’s family who have effectively lost a daughter.
‘
In a statement Andrews’ solicitor Catherine Mather said: ‘My client is devastated by the verdict.
‘We will be considering the possibilty of an appeal with her over the next few days.
‘
ends
