Neighbours of speedboat killer Jack Shepherd have described hearing "disturbing" screams from his new girlfriend as he allegedly terrorised her inside a small bedsit. Shepherd, who fled to Georgia after killing Charlotte Brown in a speedboat crash in 2015 and was later jailed on his return to the UK, has now pleaded guilty to injuring his girlfriend by scarring her with barbecue tongs, prompting fresh scrutiny of his behaviour since being released.

Residents living near the property recounted repeatedly hearing distressing cries coming from the flat, raising concerns among neighbours before the assault came to light. Shepherd has admitted the offence in court, with the case highlighting continued allegations of violent conduct following his conviction for the 2015 boat crash that killed Charlotte Brown, for which he served time after evading justice abroad for two years.