Gardener killed himself three days after finding his girlfriend dead following ‘disgusting’ false rumours on social media that he was involved in her death, friend says

• Craig Daffern, 35, from Blackpool, was devastated by death of Jenny Shanley
• Friends of the gardener claims he was ‘pushed to suicide’ by cruel rumours
• For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or go to samaritans.org

A gardener killed himself three days after finding his girlfriend dead following ‘disgusting’ false rumours on social media that he was involved in her death, a friend has claimed. 

Craig Daffern, from Blackpool, took his life just three days after finding his girlfriend Jenny Shanley’s body at their home.

The 35-year-old found himself to be the victim of ‘cruel’ and ‘disgusting’ false allegations that he played a role in her death.  

A year on from the devastation, his close friends have spoken up and claim that it is those that led him to his unfortunate death. 

On Sunday, January 16, 2022, Craig was found hanged in the Catforth area of Preston two days after texting a friend saying ‘I’ve had enough but I love you all’.

Craig Daffern found himself to be the victim of ‘cruel’ and ‘disgusting’ false allegations that he played a role in the death of his girlfriend Jenny Shanley

Craig Daffern, 35, from Blackpool, took his own life in January just days after he was left devastated by the death of his girlfriend, Jenny, a mother-of-three 

Despite efforts from Craig’s family and friends who tried to reach him, his phone was turned off – he was reported missing to police on Friday, January 14, having been last seen in the Paddock Close area of Thornton-Cleveleys at 2.30pm. 

One of Craig’s best friends told Lancs Live: ‘If you were to ask me why Craig did what he did I’d say it’s because of the disgusting allegations that were made on social media after Jenny died. 

‘After Jenny’s death Craig talked to his friends about what people were saying on social media and it absolutely broke him. 

‘He was pushed to suicide by those comments and I can’t even begin to imagine how he felt when he took his own life.’

Craig, who attended Myerscough College and ran his own landscape gardening business, Daffern’s Design & Landscapes, had been left shattered by the death of his girlfriend, a mum-of-three who was found dead in their bathroom on January 11.

The previous night it was believed that she had been drinking and had taken cocaine –  this week, a coroner ruled she took her own life as a result of taking the Class A drug. 

Senior Coroner Alan Wilson said that ‘Jennifer would not have died had it not been for the cocaine use’ the night before she died. 

Jenny, 36, was facing financial burdens and had in the past taken an overdose following the breakdown of her marriage to the father of her children, the inquest heard. 

Senior Coroner Alan Wilson said that ‘Jennifer would not have died had it not been for the cocaine use’ the night before she died

Following allegations online that Craig was involved in Jenny’s death, friends claim that he was left broken

The friend added that they hope those who spread the false rumours about Craig now ‘realise the consequences of their actions’.

His mother Patricia Daffern, who also has two daughters, Heather and Amanda, said in last year’s inquest that Craig had previously attempted to take his own life in June 2020, a statement read out during the inquest revealed.

He had been referred to mental health services, but did not attend an appointment and eventually discharged himself.

Returning a conclusion of suicide, Area Coroner Richard Taylor said: ‘Families will always ask why someone has done what they have done, but I am afraid I can’t answer that. All I can answer is the who, when, where and how.

An inquest at Preston Coroner’s Court into Craig Daffern’s death recorded a finding of suicide

‘Craig Daffern was found dead on January 16 on School Lane, Catforth, Preston, having suspended himself by the neck.’

Craig’s family thanked people for their support for the gardener over the last 12 months.

His sister Heather added: ‘We are all still heartbroken beyond belief but in time we will come to terms with this utter tragedy of losing such a happy couple who loved each other so much. 

‘Craig loved Jennifer and simply couldn’t live without her and we hope everyone can now move forward.’

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