Darwen Monster Alan Edwards Jailed for Murder and Decades of Abuse
Alan Edwards, 48, of Blackburn Road, Darwen, has been convicted of murdering Susan Waring after a brutal two-month relationship. The Preston Crown Court trial also saw him found guilty of 19 other violent offences against four ex-partners spanning 20 years.
Susan’s Body Still Missing After Horrific Abuse
Susan Waring, 45, was a vulnerable woman who suffered savage assaults from Edwards. On 15 January 2019, family saw him punch her to the face. The next day, Susan visited a doctor with severe bruising and swelling, urged to seek hospital treatment. But she never did.
She was last seen on 29 January 2019, at Darwen’s Asda with Edwards. He claimed Susan left on 1 February with money and clothes but never contacted anyone again. Police believe this was a lie to cover his tracks. Her family reported her missing.
Edwards accidentally sent photos of Susan’s injuries to her family—a slip he couldn’t explain to police. Forensic searches in Edwards’ flat uncovered blood everywhere: on walls, furniture, a Halloween mask stained with Susan’s blood outside and Edwards’ DNA inside. It’s believed he wore the mask while attacking her.
Efforts to cover up the crime included painting over bloody walls. Edwards denied assaulting Susan, instead blaming an ex of hers.
A History of Horror: Edwards’ 20-Year Reign of Terror
- 1990-91: Assaulted a then-18-year-old, beating her, pointing a gun at her, tying her to a chair, kicking her legs wearing steel-capped boots, torturing her wounds with salt, vinegar, and even his pet ferret. He held her head underwater while she was pregnant.
- 1998-2001: Attacked another woman, headbutting her—sometimes with a child in her arms—pulling her hair, cutting her finger during pregnancy. Violent episodes happened every few weeks, leaving her with black eyes and bruises.
- 2003-2009: Brutalised a woman in her thirties. She suffered a fractured jaw needing wiring, was beaten with belts, headbutted, strangled, and threatened with death. He controlled her money and hid injuries with clothing.
- 2009-2010: Strangled another woman, threatened her with a knife at night, forcing her to stay awake or risk injury.
Court Hails Police for Justice
Det Ch Insp Pauline Stables, Lancashire’s Force Major Investigation Team, said: “Edwards is an extremely violent man, a danger to women. His jealous, drug and alcohol-fuelled rage spans decades.”
“My heart goes out to his victims, who endured horrors I can’t imagine. Susan’s family still suffer without her body to bury. Edwards refuses to reveal where he hid her.”
“I commend the courage of Edwards’ other victims who came forward despite fear. To anyone trapped in an abusive relationship, help is available. You deserve safety.”
“Thanks to Lancashire Constabulary’s dedicated team for their relentless work bringing Edwards to justice.”
If you have information about Susan’s whereabouts, no matter how small, contact the police immediately.
