A primary school headmaster's career lies in ruins after she was convicted of a brutal and premeditated hammer attack on her partner's former wife, a shocking crime driven by jealous rage.
Fiona Beal, 50, was sentenced to 14 years in prison at Stafford Crown Court for what the judge described as a "vicious and targeted" assault. The court heard how Beal lay in wait for her victim, 41-year-old Nicholas Billingham, in the car park of the school where she was employed.
Armed with a hammer, Beal launched her attack as Ms. Billingham returned to her vehicle after a meeting. The victim, a mother herself, was struck multiple times, sustaining serious head injuries that required extensive hospital treatment.
A Calculated Act of Violence
Prosecutors outlined a case built on obsession and premeditation. Beal's relationship with Ms. Billingham's ex-husband had become all-consuming, culminating in the violent outburst. Evidence presented showed Beal had researched the victim's routines and chosen the school grounds for the ambush, a place where she would feel confident and her victim would feel safe.
Judge Simon Ward condemned the "extreme violence" of the assault, stating it was motivated by "jealousy and a warped sense of entitlement." He highlighted the significant psychological trauma inflicted upon the victim, who now suffers from anxiety and PTSD.
A Fall from Grace
The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, where Beal was once a respected figure entrusted with the care of children. Her descent from a position of authority to a convicted violent criminal is a stark reminder of how dangerous obsession can become.
Detectives from Staffordshire Police praised the victim's bravery throughout the investigation and court process. They confirmed that the severity of the sentence reflects the grave nature of the pre-planned attack.
