The Abuse/Torture Death of Andrew Gardner

Andrew Gardner, described by loved ones as a “quiet, vulnerable man” who was “well-liked” by everyone who knew him, loved his daughter so much that he stuck around while his girlfriend, Clare Nicholls, savagely beat and abused him until she finally killed him with help from her on-again, off-again lover, Steven Martin, and brother, Simon Nicholls.

Clare had three children from a previous relationship, their father was a convicted pedophile who was ordered to stay far away from the children.

Andrew’s death was the cumulative effect of daily abuse and beatings. It was slow and painful, Andrew suffering whippings, beatings, burnings, and starvation for several months before his body could take no more.

Many neighbors had no idea Andrew lived in the Chilton, England, home on Arthur Street.

The 5’9” man weighed 125 pounds when he died with over 150 separate injuries covering his body in March 2009. In the final days of his life, Andrew was so weak and injured he could not walk or leave the Arthur Street home in Chilton, England.

The Abuse

Clare ripped the pockets on Andrew's jeans so he could not hide food from the cupboards. Marks from sharp objects lined his body. The group poured hot boiling water over Andrew's feet.

The group held Andrew against a hot radiator, scorched him with a torch and cigarette lighter, and forced him to sleep on newspapers and bags so the blood pouring from his injuries did not damage the carpet or furniture.

All four children took a hand in the abuse, unaware that it wasn’t normal or okay because they witnessed it happen so often. Among other abuse, the kids carved Xs and Os on Andrew’s skin.

Some Neighbors Did Not Hear the Abuse

Clare, the 28-year-old mother, portrayed herself as a great mother and caring person, according to many neighbors who had no idea what went on behind closed doors. One neighbor described hearing some arguments from the home and the sounds of Clare screaming. She said she never realized what really went on inside the apartment.

Andrew Alienated from Family

Andrew was alienated from his own family. His mother described him as weak and feeble when he visited her home in 2010 asking for money. She said he had lost weight and looked unhealthy and unhappy.

Mrs. Gardner actually heard about the death of a 35-year-old man in Durham Village on the news. She didn’t know Andrew lived in the area so had no reason to worry.

Police Find Andrew's Body

Police found the body lying on the living room floor just after midnight on March 13 after Clare called paramedics. Police first assumed Andrew had died from injuries from an assault at a bar the night before. They soon realized that Clare killed Andrew.

Andrew lived in the Chilton home with Clare and James. A police officer informed Andrew’s mother of his death the day following the news report.

The Autopsy

The autopsy took seven hours to complete. It revealed 21 rib fractures, burns to his neck, back, and feet; whip-like marks across his body; brain bleeding; severe bruising, and a cut so deep on Andrew’s leg that it shows a tendon.

Aftermath

Clare Nicholls, Simon Nicholls, and Martin were convicted of Andrew’s murder. Clare and Martin were sentenced to life in prison. Clare is eligible for parole after she served 32 years while Martin is eligible for parole after 20 years. Simon was sentenced to 25 years.

Resources & Additional Case Information:

https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/jan/04/trio-accused-torturing-man-death

https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/some-worst-injuries-ive-ever-15970443

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