He could have muffled the sound of the ring at Bourtree Cottage by putting a pillow over it. As for the line status, I thought it was patched up by a BT operator.
Could have been risky, a 35 minute sea wall journey ( prosecition narrative not my own views )with a phone blaring out. Head Street, tiny property wafer thin walls.
Risky in the sense of " whys Jeremy's phone blaring out and hes not answering" from the neighbours perspective if they awoke and heard it
If the neighbours awake and then they see Jeremy arrive back car, walk or bike its game set and match.