Convicted killer Jack Shepherd, 38, has pleaded guilty to two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and damaging property against his girlfriend. Neighbours reported hearing the woman's "disturbing" screams as Shepherd terrorized her in a cramped bedsit in Southall, west London.
Shepherd admitted to pinning the woman down and punching her several times in February 2025, causing bruising. In a second incident in June 2025, he struck her with barbecue tongs, leaving a permanent scar on her breast after an argument over a burnt pizza.
A neighbour described Shepherd as a "danger to all women" and stated that his girlfriend had been put "through hell." According to the neighbour, the woman confided that she was "frightened" of Shepherd, who allegedly put his hand around her neck and threatened her. "It was a disaster in the end, she's been through hell. He could have killed her," the neighbour alleged.
Shepherd, who was released on license in January 2024 after serving part of a 10-year sentence for manslaughter, had formed a relationship with the woman, who is 20 years his senior. Neighbours initially described them as a happy couple, but the relationship soon deteriorated into what was called a "nightmare."
Shepherd had reportedly targeted the woman, described as "alone and in need of someone to talk to," shortly after moving into the converted property. He introduced himself as 'Jack' and used a different surname, presenting himself as charming and intelligent. He was eked out a living selling used furniture, having avoided returning to his former career as a web designer.
Prosecutors agreed to drop allegations of controlling or coercive behaviour and intentional suffocation. Shepherd was remanded into custody until a sentencing hearing scheduled for September.
Shepherd was originally jailed in 2018 for the manslaughter of Charlotte Brown, 24, who died in 2015 when his speedboat crashed during a high-speed ride. During his period on the run, Shepherd spent time in Georgia, where he also began a relationship while evading authorities. Neighbours noted that Shepherd showed no remorse for Miss Brown's death, attempting to justify his actions as manslaughter rather than murder.