Darwen Murderer Sentenced for Killing Vulnerable Woman
Alan Edwards, 48, of Blackburn Road, Darwen, has been convicted of murdering Susan Waring, a vulnerable 45-year-old woman, along with 19 other violent offences against four ex-partners spanning two decades. The verdict followed a tense trial at Preston Crown Court last week.
Susan’s body has never been found, but Justice has finally caught up with Edwards.
A Trail of Brutality and Abuse
Susan endured severe assaults during their brief two-month relationship. Witnesses saw Edwards punch her to the face on 15 January 2019, just weeks before her family last heard from her.
The next day, she attended a doctor’s appointment with multiple injuries, including swollen bruises to her face. Edwards accompanied her but discouraged further hospital treatment. Susan was last spotted with Edwards at Darwen’s Asda on 29 January 2019.
Edwards lied to Susan’s family, claiming she left of her own accord on 1 February 2019 with money and clothing – but they suspected the truth was far darker.
Grim Forensic Evidence Tells a Damning Story
Police launched a hunt after Susan’s family reported her missing. Edwards mistakenly sent images of Susan’s injuries to her family, but failed to hand them over to the police.
Extensive forensic searches of Edwards’ flat uncovered Susan’s blood in shocking quantities throughout the home:
- Living room and walls
- Glass panel on front door
- Bathroom surfaces and cabinet
- A Halloween mask covered in her blood, with Edwards’ DNA on the inside—pointing to his wearing it during the attack
Edwards had even tried to cover up the crime by painting over bloodstains on walls and staircase areas, but forensic experts detected Susan’s blood underneath.
Decades of Violence Against Women
Edwards’ abuse was not limited to Susan. Over twenty years, he viciously assaulted four other women he had been in relationships with. The prosecution detailed horrific, sadistic attacks including:
- Punching and kicking an 18-year-old victim, pointing a gun at her, tying her to a chair, and attacking her while pregnant
- Repeated beatings, hair-pulling, and cutting a pregnant woman’s finger between 1998–2001
- Fracturing a woman’s jaw requiring wiring, beatings with a belt, strangulation, and street attacks from 2003–2009
- Strangling and knife threats during a short 2009–2010 relationship
Despite his brutal history, Edwards denied all assaults and tried to blame others.
Police Praise Victims’ Courage and Plea for Information
Detective Chief Inspector Pauline Stables, Lancashire’s Force Major Investigation Team, said: “Edwards is an extremely violent man and a danger to women. His jealousy and intoxication often sparked brutal attacks.”
“My heart goes out to his victims. The pain they’ve suffered is unimaginable.”
“Justice has been served for Susan’s family, but their anguish continues without her body.”
“If anyone knows where Susan’s remains might be, please come forward.”
“I commend Edwards’ other victims for their bravery in sharing their stories despite ongoing fear.”
“If you are in an abusive relationship, help is available. You deserve safety and support.”
“Thanks to the dedicated Lancashire police team for their tireless work that led to this conviction.”
