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In this episode, I tell the story of Joanne Nelson, a 22-year-old woman murdered in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, in February 2005.
Joanne and her fiancée, Paul Dyson, lived together in Hotham Road North, Hull, but Dyson had a dark secret that Joanne was oblivious to.
Not only did Dyson have previous criminal convictions, including the assault of his ex-wife on their wedding night, but he also idolised his dad, Peter Dyson, who had a murder conviction against his name.
On or around Valentine's Day in 2005, Dyson strangled Joanne to death with his bare hands after arguing about household chores. He then drove 45 miles north to the village of Brandsby, where he dumped her body.
Reporting Joanne as missing and even taking part in a TV appeal, which included a display of "crocodile tears", Dyson was eventually caught and pleaded guilty to her murder on the first day of his trial in November 2005.
Judge Tom Cracknell handed him a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years, and in early 2022, Dyson was released from prison as a free man.
**The following is NOT a sponsored message**
If you are experiencing domestic abuse or are concerned that someone you know is, please consider contacting one of the following charities:
Refuge (the largest specialist domestic abuse organisation in the UK): 0808 2000 247
Respect (Men's Advice Line): 0808 801 0327
Galop (a national helpline for LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence): 0800 999 5428
Women's Aid (a national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children): helpline@womensaid.org.uk
REMEMBER - If you are in immediate danger, please call 999!
Intro music:
David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'
linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic
References:
Blackburn, R. (2019, December 1). I’m terrified of bumping into sister’s fiance who throttled her over the washing. The Mirror. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/im-terrified-bumping-sisters-fiance-20998913
Campbell, J. (2022a, April 8). Joanne Nelson’s murderer Paul Dyson released from prison after 17 years. Hull Live. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/hull-east-yorkshire-news/joanne-nelsons-murderer-paul-dyson-6926360
Campbell, J. (2022b, April 9). Crying killer Paul Dyson strangled fiancée in cold blood and buried her in a ditch after row about washing. Hull Live. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/hull-east-yorkshire-news/crying-killer-who-strangled-fiance-6927813
Corcoran, S. (2018, September 4). The chilling TV interview that caught crying killer Paul Dyson after Joanne Nelson death. Hull Live. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/paul-dyson-hull-joanne-nelson-482951
Corcoran, S. (2019, October 18). Joanne Nelson’s “heartbroken” family speak out as killer Paul Dyson moved to open prison. Hull Live. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/hull-east-yorkshire-news/joanne-nelson-paul-dyson-prison-3437762
Dyson’s father was also a killer. (2005, November 7). BBC News. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/4415350.stm
Joanne boyfriend on murder charge. (2005, February 21). BBC News. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/humber/4283169.stm
Joanne officers find missing bag. (2005, March 17). BBC News. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/humber/4358009.stm
“Joanne” tests show strangulation. (2005, March 25). BBC News. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/4381573.stm
Leeson, L. (2019, October 18). Family heartache as Joanne Nelson’s killer Paul Dyson moved to open prison. Yorkshire Post. Retrieved October 16, 2023, from https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/crime/family-heartache-as-joanne-nelsons-killer-paul-dyson-moved-to-open-prison-1748944
Life for Joanne’s killer after mum turned him in. (2005, November 8). Mail Online. Retrieved October 16, 2023, from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-368005/Life-Joannes-killer-mum-turned-in.html
Man admits killing Joanne Nelson. (2005, May 4). BBC News. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/humber/4512537.stm
Mourners set for Joanne funeral. (2005, April 4). BBC News. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/humber/4406401.stm
Riley, A. (2018, October 22). Countryfile reveals how Joanne Nelson’s body was found after killer Paul Dyson dumped her body. Hull Live. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/hull-east-yorkshire-news/countryfile-joanne-nelson-paul-dyson-2132988
Valentine killer jailed for life. (2005, November 8). BBC News. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/humber/4415728.stm
Woods body identified as Joanne. (2005, March 25). BBC News. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/4382943.stm
