In this episode, I tell the story of Thomas Shanks and Vickie Fletcher.

On May 7, 1998, 47-year-old former SAS soldier Thomas Shanks murdered his ex-girlfriend Vickie Fletcher whilst the 21-year-old was on a night out with her friends in Castleford, West Yorkshire.

After using an AK-47 to fire multiple shots at Vickie, Thomas fled to Scotland, where he was arrested the following day.

His first murder trial ended in May 1999, with the jury unable to reach a verdict. A subsequent trial occurred in early 2000, with Thomas being found guilty of murder on April 19.

Mr Justice Jowitt handed him a life sentence, and he received a minimum term of 18 years in 2008 when the law changed regarding minimum tariffs.

As of November 2017, Thomas Shanks is a free man, with some sources suspecting that he has returned to his native Scotland.

For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣
britishmurders.com⁣

Intro music:⁣
David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣
linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣

References:⁣
britishmurders.com/thomasshanks
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S09E08 | Thomas Shanks | The Murder of Vickie Fletcher

A true crime podcast covering listener-suggested British murder cases and featuring interviews with high-profile guests in the true crime industry.

Do you have a case suggestion? Please send it to contact@britishmurders.com or fill out a Contact Form at britishmurders.com.

True crime

When 33-year-old nurse Cheryl Moss popped outside for a smoke break during one of her shifts, she had no idea that a teenager with murderous intentions was lurking in the grounds outside the hospital.

What followed was a devastating and frenzied attack that resulted in Cheryl losing her life.

Join my Patreon community at patreon.com/britishmurders for exclusive perks, including early access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, exciting giveaways, and welcome goodies!

Social Media:
Facebook | British Murders with Stuart Blues
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Website:
britishmurders.com

Do you have a case request? Please send it to contact@britishmurders.com or fill out a Contact Form at britishmurders.com/contact

Intro music:⁣
David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣
davidjohnbrady.com

Disclaimer:
The case discussed in this podcast episode is real and represents the worst day in many people's lives. I aim to cover such stories with a victim-focused approach, using information from publicly available sources. While I strive for accuracy, some details may vary depending on the sources used. I list the sources used in each episode on my website. Due to the nature of the content, listener discretion is advised. Thank you for your understanding and support.
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S13E07 | The Murder of Cheryl Moss (Hornchurch, East London, 2006)

When 30-year-old Lyndsey Vaux was rushed to hospital on the morning of May 22, 2016, she sadly died just an hour later.

As the investigation into her death unfolded, detectives soon realised that Lyndsey had been subjected to years of severe abuse by a mother and daughter duo who had previously done the same to another woman.

Join my Patreon community at patreon.com/britishmurders for exclusive perks, including early access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, exciting giveaways, and welcome goodies!

Social Media:
Facebook | British Murders with Stuart Blues
Instagram | @britishmurders
TikTok | @britishmurders
X | @britishmurders

Website:
britishmurders.com

Do you have a case request? Please send it to contact@britishmurders.com or fill out a Contact Form at britishmurders.com/contact

Intro music:⁣
David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣
davidjohnbrady.com

Disclaimer:
The case discussed in this podcast episode is real and represents the worst day in many people's lives. I aim to cover such stories with a victim-focused approach, using information from publicly available sources. While I strive for accuracy, some details may vary depending on the sources used. I list the sources used in each episode on my website. Due to the nature of the content, listener discretion is advised. Thank you for your understanding and support.
The content discussed in this episode touches upon some sensitive topics, including domestic abuse. If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic abuse, please seek support from qualified professionals or specialist organisations.
Head to ydom.co.uk/resources-for-everyone to find useful resources, support services and access to knowledge shared by professionals.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S13E06 | The Murder of Lyndsey Vaux (Wigan, Greater Manchester, 2016)

When 73-year-old subpostmaster William Williams closed his Post Office store slash home one evening in November 1957, he anticipated no further visitors.

An unexpected knock on his door by someone he vaguely recognised soon led to a confrontation and struggle that ended with William's death.

Join my Patreon community at patreon.com/britishmurders for exclusive perks, including early access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, exciting giveaways, and welcome goodies!

Social Media:
Facebook | British Murders with Stuart Blues
Instagram | @britishmurders
TikTok | @britishmurders
X | @britishmurders

Website:
britishmurders.com

Do you have a case request? Please send it to contact@britishmurders.com or fill out a Contact Form at britishmurders.com/contact

Intro music:⁣
David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣
davidjohnbrady.com

Disclaimer:
The case discussed in this podcast episode is real and represents the worst day in many people's lives. I aim to cover such stories with a victim-focused approach, using information from publicly available sources. While I strive for accuracy, some details may vary depending on the sources used. I list the sources used in each episode on my website. Due to the nature of the content, listener discretion is advised. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S13E05 | The Murder of William Williams (Fforest-fach, Swansea, 1957)

After 26-year-old Nicki Collingbourne evicted her half-sister, 52-year-old Yvonne Caylor, from her flat, the pair's already tumultuous relationship worsened. Just seven months later, Nicki was found dead in her home.

Caylor was swiftly taken into custody, but detectives were left baffled at the revelation of an apparent mystery man spotted in the vicinity by CCTV cameras wearing a high-vis jacket and glasses.

Join my Patreon community at patreon.com/britishmurders for exclusive perks, including early access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, exciting giveaways, and welcome goodies!

Social Media:
Facebook | British Murders with Stuart Blues
Instagram | @britishmurders
TikTok | @britishmurders
X | @britishmurders

Website:
britishmurders.com

Do you have a case request? Please send it to contact@britishmurders.com or fill out a Contact Form at britishmurders.com/contact

Intro music:⁣
David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣
davidjohnbrady.com

Disclaimer:
The case discussed in this podcast episode is real and represents the worst day in many people's lives. I aim to cover such stories with a victim-focused approach, using information from publicly available sources. While I strive for accuracy, some details may vary depending on the sources used. I list the sources used in each episode on my website. Due to the nature of the content, listener discretion is advised. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S13E04 | The Murder of Nicki Collingbourne (Letchworth, Hertfordshire, 2016)

I welcome domestic abuse consultant Lucy Wade to the show in this interview episode.

Specialising in post-separation abuse, Lucy works with various organisations to develop their knowledge and understanding of domestic abuse, the language and approach we should all be taking when talking about abuse, and how it impacts all of us directly or indirectly.

Lucy is the creator of ydom.co.uk (You Don’t Own Me), a website focusing on the difficult subject of domestic abuse. The website, along with Lucy's podcast 'DIP In and Out with Lucy', aims to help break down the stigmas so that we can all learn more about the complexities of domestic abuse.

DIP is an acronym for "Discussion, Inclusion, Progression". You can listen to the podcast here:
ydom.co.uk/podcasts

***This interview was recorded on January 30, 2024.

Join my Patreon community at patreon.com/britishmurders for exclusive perks, including early access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, exciting giveaways, and much more!

Do you have a guest request? Please send it to contact@britishmurders.com or fill out a Contact Form at britishmurders.com/contact

Intro music:⁣
David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣
davidjohnbrady.com

Disclaimer:
The content discussed in this episode touches upon some sensitive topics, including domestic abuse. If you or someone you know has been affected by the issues raised in this podcast, please seek support from qualified professionals or organisations specialising in domestic abuse.
Head to ydom.co.uk/resources-for-everyone to find useful resources, support services and access to knowledge shared by professionals.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S09E08 | Thomas Shanks | The Murder of Vickie Fletcher

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