Primary school teacher, 50, pretended she had COVID after killing cheating boyfriend during sex game - and used 10 day isolation from 'illness' to bury him in the backyard

Fiona Beal, 50, admits to manslaughter but denies murder claiming 'loss of control'

Mr Billingham's partly mummified remains were discovered four-and-a-half months after he was last seen

A primary school teacher is on trial for the alleged murder of her boyfriend, which prosecutors describe as a meticulously planned and executed crime.

Fiona Beal, 50, is accused of luring her partner Nick Billingham into their bedroom under false pretenses, where she then proceeded to fatally stab him in the neck on November 1, 2021, as outlined in court proceedings at the Old Bailey.

Beal with Nick Billingham

According to the prosecution, Beal had premeditated the murder by purchasing a knife in advance. After the incident, she reportedly told friends that both she and Billingham had tested positive for Covid-19, using this as a cover to avoid any disruptions while she buried him in their garden in Northampton.

The victim's body was discovered four months later, wrapped in sheeting in a makeshift grave. Beal's journals, which detailed her plans under the pseudonym 'Tulip22,' were instrumental in uncovering the crime, authorities claim.

Despite admitting to manslaughter, Beal denies the charge of murder, citing a "loss of control" as her defense strategy.

Mr Billigham had affairs before and moved out of the home, but the couple had reconciled, the court heard

During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence suggesting a calculated cover-up by Beal, including purchases of cleaning supplies and other items immediately after the murder. They also highlighted her efforts to maintain the illusion of Billingham's continued existence by using his phone to communicate with friends and family.

In contrast, the defense argued that Beal's actions were a result of coercive and controlling behavior from Billingham, coupled with her mental health issues. They emphasized her lack of detailed recollection of the events and pointed to her distress as evidence of a disturbed state of mind.

The trial is expected to continue for six weeks as both sides present their case to the jury.