Author Topic: Introduction to the Siôn Jenkins case  (Read 41073 times)

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Offline John

Introduction to the Siôn Jenkins case
« on: July 12, 2012, 01:49:07 AM »
On 2 July 1998 Siôn Jenkins was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his foster daughter Billie-Jo Jenkins. On 9 February 2006, after two appeals and two retrials he was finally acquitted. He had spent six years in prison, and from the outset had consistently maintained his complete innocence.

There were always serious concerns about the verdict, and many unanswered questions about the conduct of the case. In April 1999 this website was launched with the aim of reversing a serious miscarriage of justice. It was dedicated to a detailed analysis of the case.


 
   Siôn Jenkins         Victim Billie-Jo Jenkins
« Last Edit: July 12, 2012, 01:52:08 AM by John »
A malicious prosecution for a crime which never existed. An exposé of egregious malfeasance by public officials.
Indeed, the truth never changes with the passage of time.

Offline John

Re: Introduction to the Siôn Jenkins case
« Reply #1 on: July 12, 2012, 01:53:58 AM »
The Background

On 15 February 1997, a Saturday afternoon, at approximately 3.30pm, 13-year-old Billie-Jo Jenkins was battered to death. She suffered an untold number of blows to the head which shattered her skull. The killer left behind his weapon, an 18-inch metal tent spike, which was lying by her head. Billie-Jo was not sexually assaulted; nor was the house broken into or burgled. The doctor called to the scene said that in 26 years as a police surgeon it was the most brutal murder he had ever attended.

Siôn and Lois Jenkins lived in Lower Park Road, Hastings, with their four daughters—Annie (then 12), Lottie (10), Esther (9) and Maya (7). They had moved there in 1993 from Bow, East London, where they had acquired a fifth daughter, Billie-Jo, a school friend of Annie’s, whom they took into foster care and who moved with them to Hastings when Siôn was appointed deputy head of William Parker boys’ comprehensive school.

There had been a number of incidents in the area during past months. In the immediate vicinity of the Jenkins’ home, there had been 41 crimes in Lower Park Road and 25 in Alexandra Park opposite. In 1996, two young girls were sexually assaulted and two people murdered in Hastings. So the murder of Billie-Jo was straightaway linked to these other local crimes, as well as to the deaths of Lin and Megan Russell in Chillenden, Kent. Police described the attack as “vicious and frenzied”and the killer as “evil and deranged”.

The house next door to the Jenkins’ was derelict and had been boarded up for 18 months. “Police believe that [the killer] hid behind a hedge in the garden next door watching Billie-Jo”, reported the Mirror, “and lay in wait until the family went out”. Detective Superintendent Jeremy Paine said, “It would have been easy for the killer to pick the tent peg up.”

From the very beginning, the murder became a high-profile news story. The papers reported that police were looking for a man with a scar or birthmark across his face, who had been seen acting strangely in the area on the day of the murder.

Within a few days, however, police attention had shifted instead to Siôn Jenkins. He was arrested on 24 February 1997 and charged with Billie-Jo’s murder on 14 March 1997. He was found guilty on 2 July 1998 and sentenced to life imprisonment. He has always protested his complete innocence.
A malicious prosecution for a crime which never existed. An exposé of egregious malfeasance by public officials.
Indeed, the truth never changes with the passage of time.

Offline John

Re: Introduction to the Siôn Jenkins case
« Reply #2 on: July 12, 2012, 01:56:24 AM »
What Happened (According to Siôn Jenkins)

On that Saturday, at the end of the half-term holiday, Lois took Annie, Esther and Maya shopping to Safeway’s. Later on she telephoned Siôn to say that she couldn’t pay for the groceries as she’d forgotten her cheque-book, and asked him to bring it for her. When he got there, they realised that he’d taken an old book with no cheques left in it. So he had to return home and go back again to Safeway’s with a current cheque-book.

They then all returned home. Lottie, who’d been at the cinema with friends, was taken to a clarinet class with another friend by Mrs A, that friend’s mother. Siôn and Lois then arranged that while Lois took Esther and Maya for a walk on the beach, Siôn would pick up Lottie from her clarinet class. As it happened, he didn’t know where that was, so they drove round so that Lois could point out the house to him.

While Lois went to the beach, Siôn set the older children to doing household tasks: Annie cleaned out a storeroom (and, in doing so, placed three metal tent pegs, originally used to secure an old garden swing, on the coal bunker in the garden); and Billie-Jo swept the patio.

Siôn then took Annie with him to fetch Lottie, leaving Billie-Jo painting the patio doors. They picked up Lottie, and also took her friend home. Mrs A. estimated that they dropped her daughter off at about 3.15–3.20.

When they got home. Siôn realised they would need some white spirit and so, taking Annie and Lottie with him, drove to Do-It-All.

Having arrived there, he realised that, exactly like Lois earlier in the day, he’d forgotten to take any means of payment with him, so it was another wasted journey.

They returned home, and went into the house.

Billie-Jo was lying in a pool of blood on the patio. Siôn went in, crouched down beside her, and ushered the two distraught children out of the room. He examined her more carefully, and immediately made a 999 call for an ambulance. He then telephoned a neighbour. Eight minutes after the first 999 call, at her suggestion, he made another.

As the ambulance men came, he went outside to his car, and got in, momentarily wondering whether he should put the hood up as it looked like rain. He quickly went back inside.

Later, Lois was contacted and they all left home to stay with neighbours while police combed their house and garden for clues.
A malicious prosecution for a crime which never existed. An exposé of egregious malfeasance by public officials.
Indeed, the truth never changes with the passage of time.

Offline John

Re: Introduction to the Siôn Jenkins case
« Reply #3 on: July 12, 2012, 01:56:56 AM »
What Happened (According to the Prosecution)

After a day of “frustration and irritation”, Jenkins returned from picking up Lottie from her music lesson, saw Billie-Jo at work on the patio doors and become instantly enraged, either because her work was slapdash, or because she was playing the radio too loudly, or for a combination of such reasons.

He therefore picked up the metal tent spike and, in a fit of uncontrollable fury, bludgeoned her to death, even though Annie and Lottie were around at the time and could have caught him in the act just by wandering in.

The prosecution could offer no real motive for him to have behaved in this way, and suggested that it would always remain a mystery.
A malicious prosecution for a crime which never existed. An exposé of egregious malfeasance by public officials.
Indeed, the truth never changes with the passage of time.

Offline puglove

Re: Introduction to the Siôn Jenkins case
« Reply #4 on: July 12, 2012, 10:34:41 AM »
Billie-Jo had a piece of black bin liner pushed into one nostril. There was a mentally-ill man, well known locally, in the vicinity at the time. He had a fixation with pushing pieces of bin liner up his nose.
Jeremy Bamber kicked Mike Tesko in the fanny.

Offline starryian

Re: Introduction to the Siôn Jenkins case
« Reply #5 on: July 12, 2012, 10:43:44 AM »
What Happened (According to the Prosecution)

After a day of “frustration and irritation”, Jenkins returned from picking up Lottie from her music lesson, saw Billie-Jo at work on the patio doors and become instantly enraged, either because her work was slapdash, or because she was playing the radio too loudly, or for a combination of such reasons.

He therefore picked up the metal tent spike and, in a fit of uncontrollable fury, bludgeoned her to death, even though Annie and Lottie were around at the time and could have caught him in the act just by wandering in.

The prosecution could offer no real motive for him to have behaved in this way, and suggested that it would always remain a mystery.
Thanks for that John,
An interesting look into the case. One glaring feature is the excuse about 'an old cheque book' being picked up. Once maybe, but twice on the same day?.........one too many for me. I believe he completely 'lost it' with her for the reasons you stated. Billie-Jo being a typical prickly teenager had reached the age where most teenagers can be difficult and rebellious. She had probably started to answer him back - not something Jenkins could tolerate. After a frustrating day his explosive and violent temper finally got the better of him. He snapped and (as with most people with this sort of disorder) everything would have gone black - variously described by those it affects as the 'red mist'
Jenkins went into a murderous frenzy. Billie-Jo's murder had all the hallmarks of a killer than could not control his rage. She was struck numerous times in a crime of pure fury and rage. If this were the act of a stranger, it would be highly unusual if not unprecedented.
His wife described Jenkins as having an extremely violent temper and would often beat her and his children.
I highly doubt there was any convenient 'stranger' no matter what the situation was in the vicinity at the time.This seems to be a recurring theme when murderers or their supporters are looking for a scapegoat Murderous people rarely choose the exact same area to commit violent acts in.
Jenkins, (whom many have described as)being the arrogant, deceiptful cunning man that he is, managed to squirm his way out of his just punishment. True hard evidence in this case was not enough to convict him. The jury were deadlocked and could simply not decide. However, the police, his ex-wife, Billie-Jo's family and the local residents knew who the killer was of this defenseless young girl. They knew things about him that were not presented at court.
As the old saying goes 'every dog has his day' His will come soon enough.
« Last Edit: July 12, 2012, 10:58:52 AM by starryian »
Starryian..

Offline Joanne

Re: Introduction to the Siôn Jenkins case
« Reply #6 on: July 12, 2012, 10:49:04 AM »
The problem I have with an 'outsider' doing it is time. I think Billie-Jo was dropped off and then the rest of them went to a shop or on an errand. I can do Tesco and back in about half an hour to get a couple of bags and self serve, which doesn't allow (if they went on a similar run) to stake the house out, get in, kill someone and make off again assuming Billie-Jo put a struggle up too and an intruder wouldn't have know how long someone else would be out.
I don't want to think he did it because he's a headmaster (was) and should have had enough 'training' to tolerate and diffuse a mouthy teenager.

Offline starryian

Re: Introduction to the Siôn Jenkins case
« Reply #7 on: July 12, 2012, 11:10:45 AM »
The problem I have with an 'outsider' doing it is time. I think Billie-Jo was dropped off and then the rest of them went to a shop or on an errand. I can do Tesco and back in about half an hour to get a couple of bags and self serve, which doesn't allow (if they went on a similar run) to stake the house out, get in, kill someone and make off again assuming Billie-Jo put a struggle up too and an intruder wouldn't have know how long someone else would be out.
I don't want to think he did it because he's a headmaster (was) and should have had enough 'training' to tolerate and diffuse a mouthy teenager.
Good points Joanne,
Her murder just makes no sense. I could understand if there was a motive, it appears that if she was murdered by a stranger, then that person bludgeoned her for no reason at all. There was no sexual assault, no-one with a grudge against her, nothing. Besides - how would a stranger know who was in the house and who wasnt? Lois, Jenkins wife, had been gone for hours and the rest of the family could return at any second.
The police were very uncomfotable with Jenkins version of events right from the start. Moreover, his wife described Jenkins as telling the rest of the family in a particularly cold and emotionless manner after the discovery of Billie-Jo's body by simply stating to them that 'Billie's dead' Mrs Jenkins remembered him as very cold and detached. Exactly ehe way he would be after a violent outburst.
I for one believe that this man is guilty and true-to-form he is making alot of noise about his innocence - for me..........a little too much. Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet "Methinks thou dost protest too much."

Read into that what you will. 8((()*/
« Last Edit: July 12, 2012, 11:13:11 AM by starryian »
Starryian..

Offline John

Re: Introduction to the Siôn Jenkins case
« Reply #8 on: July 12, 2012, 04:48:52 PM »
The problem I have with an 'outsider' doing it is time. I think Billie-Jo was dropped off and then the rest of them went to a shop or on an errand. I can do Tesco and back in about half an hour to get a couple of bags and self serve, which doesn't allow (if they went on a similar run) to stake the house out, get in, kill someone and make off again assuming Billie-Jo put a struggle up too and an intruder wouldn't have know how long someone else would be out.
I don't want to think he did it because he's a headmaster (was) and should have had enough 'training' to tolerate and diffuse a mouthy teenager.

It doesn't work exactly like that Joanne.  I know of a well respected teacher who used to beat up his sister behind the scenes and caused all sorts of problems for his mother.  A bit akin to a Jekyll and Hyde character.

I would not be at all surprised if Jenkins was as nice as pie while in school but a different man at home.
A malicious prosecution for a crime which never existed. An exposé of egregious malfeasance by public officials.
Indeed, the truth never changes with the passage of time.

Offline John

Re: Introduction to the Siôn Jenkins case
« Reply #9 on: July 13, 2012, 07:48:52 PM »
Are you going to sort the typo out on the menu page?  @)(++(*

What typo Joanne?
A malicious prosecution for a crime which never existed. An exposé of egregious malfeasance by public officials.
Indeed, the truth never changes with the passage of time.

Offline Joanne

Re: Introduction to the Siôn Jenkins case
« Reply #10 on: July 13, 2012, 08:18:33 PM »
Siôn Jenkins and tyhe murder of his adopted daughter Billie-Jo
Its on the main board page ^^ 'the' not tyhe! @)(++(*

Offline John

Re: Introduction to the Siôn Jenkins case
« Reply #11 on: July 13, 2012, 08:32:07 PM »
Siôn Jenkins and tyhe murder of his adopted daughter Billie-Jo
Its on the main board page ^^ 'the' not tyhe! @)(++(*

Thanks Joanne...too many vinos.  hic    8(0(*
A malicious prosecution for a crime which never existed. An exposé of egregious malfeasance by public officials.
Indeed, the truth never changes with the passage of time.

Offline AerialHunter

Re: Introduction to the Siôn Jenkins case
« Reply #12 on: January 08, 2016, 12:55:53 AM »
This case has been more than an intrigue to us, our attention being drawn in because of the nature of the attack, isolated female suffering severe head injuries in the environs of her own home. This had all of the hallmarks bar one of a series of attacks across the Southern part of England. Quite recently we unearthed the element we had been seeking, in common with the other attacks there is one individual living in the immediate vicinity who graduated from the same college on the same day, this information has yet to be fully verified as I type but we are quite confident in the results we have.  Sojourn to Hastings on the cards, watch this space.
There is none so noble or in receipt of his fellows unbridled adulation as that police officer who willingly deceives to protect one of his own kind and, by virtue of birthright, extends that privilege to his family.

Offline Brigadier

Re: Introduction to the Siôn Jenkins case
« Reply #13 on: July 06, 2016, 09:11:47 PM »
The problem I have with an 'outsider' doing it is time. I think Billie-Jo was dropped off and then the rest of them went to a shop or on an errand. I can do Tesco and back in about half an hour to get a couple of bags and self serve, which doesn't allow (if they went on a similar run) to stake the house out, get in, kill someone and make off again assuming Billie-Jo put a struggle up too and an intruder wouldn't have know how long someone else would be out.
I don't want to think he did it because he's a headmaster (was) and should have had enough 'training' to tolerate and diffuse a mouthy teenager.
Sorry, but I disagree with your point entirely. 30 minutes is perfectly sufficient window of opportunity for an opportunist. In addition to which, if a stalker were staking the house out, then by definition they have all the time in the world to set up an observation point in advance. Then when it is clear Billie is alone, they can choose to strike then. Remember that Billie was still dying when Sion found her (according to the defence).

Instead, if we take the prosecution's version of events Sion has a maximum window of opportunity of only 2-3 minutes which makes it far less likely. In that time Sion is expected to encounter Billie (alive), reach boiling point, kill her, clean himself up and then come up with a ruse to cover his tracks. Besides, the only person who claims that Sion had a violent temper was Lois herself. A claim she only made after the murder. This is not corroborated by any of the girls, relatives, neighbours, live in au pairs, Sion's work colleagues or his pupils. Lois never mentioned this before despite her work as a social worker and Billie never mentioned in any of her regular private meetings with social workers having been fostered by the Jenkins.

There is (or at least was) far more evidence pointing suspicion elsewhere than suggesting Sion's involvement.

Offline Angelo222

Re: Introduction to the Siôn Jenkins case
« Reply #14 on: August 05, 2016, 10:34:14 AM »
Sorry, but I disagree with your point entirely. 30 minutes is perfectly sufficient window of opportunity for an opportunist. In addition to which, if a stalker were staking the house out, then by definition they have all the time in the world to set up an observation point in advance. Then when it is clear Billie is alone, they can choose to strike then. Remember that Billie was still dying when Sion found her (according to the defence).

Instead, if we take the prosecution's version of events Sion has a maximum window of opportunity of only 2-3 minutes which makes it far less likely. In that time Sion is expected to encounter Billie (alive), reach boiling point, kill her, clean himself up and then come up with a ruse to cover his tracks. Besides, the only person who claims that Sion had a violent temper was Lois herself. A claim she only made after the murder. This is not corroborated by any of the girls, relatives, neighbours, live in au pairs, Sion's work colleagues or his pupils. Lois never mentioned this before despite her work as a social worker and Billie never mentioned in any of her regular private meetings with social workers having been fostered by the Jenkins.

There is (or at least was) far more evidence pointing suspicion elsewhere than suggesting Sion's involvement.

I disagree. He didn't need to clean up and two or three minutes is more than enough time to bludgeon someone to death with a metal spike and leave them to die.

What has never been revealed though is why he might have lost it and killed her. What could she have been about to reveal that was so terrible?  I have my own views on this and it makes perfect sense to me.
De troothe has the annoying habit of coming to the surface just when you least expect it!!

Je ne regrette rien!!