The stylish home where a pensioner was brutally murdered and dismembered by her lodger has been put up for sale, can reveal.
Annette Smith, 74 was murdered by Scott Paterson, 45 who had been living in her home rent free in exchange for company and helping to care for her after she suffered a stroke.
Her horrific killing is to feature later this month in Channel 4’s 24 Hours in Police Custody across two special episodes entitled ‘The Butcher Of Suburbia’ which follow the work of Bedfordshire police in solving the gruesome crime.
The fly-on-the wall TV documentary dramatically captures Paterson’s confession and highlights the transformation of the investigation from a missing person to murder enquiry.
Ms Smith, who lived in Fairfield, Bedfordshire was reported missing in January 2024 by concerned relatives, but Paterson insisted that she had suddenly left to stay with a friend, prompting police not to act.
But a full police enquiry into her whereabouts started in April of that year after her ex-husband Peter Smith hired a private detective and also found her passport, mobile phone and belongings at her home.
Following what has been described as ‘one of Bedfordshire police’s most harrowing investigations’ Paterson was jailed for life in November 2024 at Luton Crown Court with a minimum term of 20 years.
He admitted to murdering and dismembering Ms Smith then hiding her remains in a storage unit in Letchworth, Hertfordshire and disposing some of them in public bins.
Paterson lived with the frail pensioner in a smart three-bedroom flat which has been put on the market for £550,000.
A note by the estate agent warns potential buyers: ‘This property is being sold with vacant possession following the death of the previous occupier at the house.’
A source involved in the sale confirmed to : ‘This was Anette Smith’s house and although we are not naming her or going into any details, we have to indicate to buyers that something took place there.
‘It’s a lovely property and our note hasn’t put people off but as you can imagine, it has raised questions which in turn has affected the level of interest.
‘This was a killing that affected the whole community. Under normal circumstances, we would have no problems selling this home.’
A description of the property reads: ‘A uniquely designed three-bedroom apartment. This remarkable property seamlessly blends period features with modern comfort.
‘The moment you step into the entrance, the expansive space and unique architectural details capture your attention, situated within the ever so popular Fairfield Park.’
The property is also described as exuding an air of ‘luxury and comfort’ enjoying a large open plan kitchen and diner and a landscaped garden that is surrounded by stunning countryside.
The flat is located within a Grade II listed building and is also made up of a family room, study area and utility room.
It was here that Paterson occupied a spare room and forged a close bond with Ms Smith. They had gone on holiday together and after she suffered a stroke, became her main carer, collecting medicine for her and cooking food and washing her.
Paterson was employed at a local farm shop and had done a butchery course.
Ms Smith was last seen by friends in November 2023, and Paterson told her family and neighbours for several months that she had ‘gone away’ and did not know where she was.
Police said he also used her email account to send Christmas messages and Moonpig cards to family and friends to pretend that she was still alive.
After opening an investigation into her disappearance, her remains were found in May 2024 at the storage locker with police establishing that her body had been taken there after being put into a suitcase.
Paterson is filmed on camera confessing during a police interview that he had suffocated Ms Smith with a pillow and initially attempted to hide her body in the house.
His trial heard that the property was then put on the market and an estate agent visited the house in November but did not spot remains hidden in a cupboard under the stairs.
The court was also told that Paterson had stolen and sold Ms Smith’s jewellery before and after she died and had debts of around £30,000.
Speaking about the crime, Detective Chief Inspector Katie Dounias said it ‘shook the community’ and highlighted ‘some of the most complex aspects of modern-day policing.’
Recalling Paterson’s confession, she added: ‘When he was arrested, he did not want a solicitor, and you kind of think at that point, is he going to confess or tell us what happened?
‘And then there’s a feeling almost of – I don’t like to use the word excitement because it sounds sensational – but it’s excitement, because actually we might find Annette.
‘He might tell us where she is, and we can try and repatriate her with her family and allow her a burial.’
The programme’s executive producer Simon Ford said: ‘This was a really interesting case, because we didn’t know it was a murder at the beginning and it was only over time it became that.’
Speaking about Paterson’s confession, which is captured on camera he said: ‘We are used to filming these cases where somebody has a solicitor and nine times out of 10 there will be ‘no comment’ interview.
‘But if someone is going to comment from the beginning, it’s always going to be more interesting.’