In 2012, the murder of Natalie Esack sent shockwaves through the Kent town of Ashford. A talented hairdresser with a bright future, Natalie had reported her estranged husband’s abusive and threatening behaviour to the police multiple times, though each case went unprosecuted.
Tragically, those warnings were left unaddressed, and in a brutal act of violence, her life was cut short in her own salon.
Natalie’s story is a stark reminder of the dangers that can persist behind closed doors and the devastating consequences when cries for help are not fully heard.
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Intro music:
David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'
davidjohnbrady.com
Disclaimer:
The case discussed in this podcast episode is real and represents the worst day in many people's lives. I aim to cover such stories with a victim-focused approach, using information from publicly available sources. While I strive for accuracy, some details may vary depending on the sources used. I list the sources used in each episode on my website. Due to the nature of the content, listener discretion is advised. Thank you for your understanding and support.
References:
At least 16 serving or former police officers have killed women. Why does this matter? (n.d.). Femicide Census. Retrieved November 11, 2024, from https://www.femicidecensus.org/at-least-16-serving-or-former-police-officers-have-killed-women-why-does-this-matter/
Boyfriend of stabbing victim Natalie Esack tells of fears. (2012, December 12). Kent Online. https://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/boyfriend-of-stabbing-victim-nat-a57850/
Boyle, D. (2012a, December 12). Hairdresser Chelsea Ford relives moment boss was stabbed in Ashford salon. Kent Online. https://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/hairdresser-chelsea-ford-relives-a57897/
Boyle, D. (2012b, December 14). Ex-police officer Ivan Esack “in love with another man” before stabbing wife Natalie Esack to death in Ashford salon. Kent Online. https://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/ex-police-officer-ivan-esack-in-a57792/
Boyle, D. (2019, November 8). Guilty: Jealous ex-detective Ivan Esack guilty of murdering hairdresser wife Natalie Esack at Ashford salon. Kent Online. https://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/guilty-jealous-ex-detective-iva-a57194/
Boyle, D. (2022, November 1). The casual killer: Moment relaxed Ivan Esack confesses to killing hairdresser wife Natalie Esack in Ashford salon. Kent Online. https://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/the-casual-killer-moment-relaxe-a57080/
Castle, L. (2022, November 12). Friend of murder victim Natalie Esack from Ashford calls for more awareness on domestic abuse. Kent Online. https://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/we-lost-someone-so-special-in-the-most-evil-way-possible-276914/
Esack Hairdresser murder: Husband gets life. (2013, January 14). Sky News. Retrieved November 11, 2024, from https://news.sky.com/story/esack-hairdresser-murder-husband-gets-life-10457951
Ex-detective Ivan Esack sentenced to serve minimum of 28 years for murdering wife. (2013, January 14). Kent Online. https://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/ex-detective-ivan-esack-sentence-a57056/
Ex-police officer Ivan Esack admits killing wife. (2013, January 4). BBC News. Retrieved November 11, 2024, from https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-kent-20914752
Ex-police officer Ivan Esack “had affair before murdering wife.” (2012, December 13). BBC News. Retrieved November 11, 2024, from https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-kent-20715320
Ex-policeman Ivan Esack denies murdering wife. (2012, December 11). BBC News. Retrieved November 11, 2024, from https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-kent-20681219
Faults found with domestic violence report handling. (2012, July 23). Police Professional. Retrieved November 11, 2024, from https://policeprofessional.com/news/faults-found-with-domestic-violence-report-handling/
Fernandez, C., & Stevens, J. (2012, May 1). Stabbed to death in her hair salon: Former detective questioned over high street attack on wife who. . . Mail Online. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2137373/Stabbed-death-hair-salon-Former-detective-questioned-high-street-attack-wife-walked-him.html
Ford, C. (n.d.). About. Nat’ural Hair Design. Retrieved November 11, 2024, from https://www.naturalhairdesign.co.uk/about
Home | Nat’Ural Hair Design. (n.d.). Nat’ural Hair Design. https://www.naturalhairdesign.co.uk/
Natalie Esack employee opens new hair salon after her death. (2012, October 24). Kent Online. https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/natalie-esack-employee-opens-new-a59381/
Natalie Esack murder: Domestic abuse “not investigated fully.” (2014, July 16). BBC News. Retrieved November 11, 2024, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-28328423
Natalie Esack: Report highlights missed opportunities in months leading to hairdresser’s death in Ashford at hands of estranged husband Ivan Esack. (2014, July 16). Kent Online. https://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/damning-report-highlights-missed-opportunities-20256/