Speedboat killer Jack Shepherd, 38, has admitted to two violent assaults against his new girlfriend, including striking her with barbecue tongs and pinning her down and punching her. Neighbors of the convicted killer described hearing the woman's "disturbing" screams as Shepherd terrorized her in their shared bedsit.
Shepherd, who was released from prison in January 2024, had begun a relationship with the woman, who is 20 years his senior, shortly after moving into a room next to hers in Southall, west London. The relationship, initially appearing amicable, reportedly devolved into a "nightmare," with the victim confiding in a friend that she was "frightened" of Shepherd.
One neighbor stated that the couple had "very, very disturbing arguments" that the entire household could hear, characterized by "screaming and shouting." This resident also alleged that the woman had said Shepherd used to put his hand around her neck and threaten her. The neighbor characterized Shepherd as a "danger to all women" and said the victim had "been through hell."
Shepherd pleaded guilty on Tuesday via video link to two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and damaging property. The court heard that in February 2025, Shepherd admitted to pinning the woman down and punching her multiple times, causing bruising. A second assault in June involved Shepherd hitting her with barbecue tongs, resulting in a permanent scar, after an argument about a burnt pizza.
The victim had also accused Shepherd of "belittling" her with comments about her weight and age, and he accused her of flirting with other men. Prosecutors agreed to drop charges related to controlling or coercive behavior and intentional suffocation.
Shepherd had previously been jailed for 10 years for the manslaughter of Charlotte Brown, 24, who died in 2015 when his speedboat crashed during a date. He had been on license for 18 months before these latest assaults led to his recall to prison. During his time on the run in Georgia, Shepherd also reportedly began a relationship with a woman while he was a married father wanted in connection with Ms. Brown's death.
Isleworth Crown Court has remanded Shepherd into custody pending a sentencing hearing in September. The court artist's sketch depicted Shepherd entering his plea. The converted property in Southall, west London, where the assaults occurred, was described as having cramped bedsit rooms, each with a toilet and shower, and a communal kitchen.
Neighbors recalled Shepherd introducing himself as 'Jack' and using a different surname, and noted his income came from selling used furniture. One neighbor described him as a "charming man" and "jolly guy" at first, but stated the relationship became a "disaster."