Douglas Clifton Brown
Attempted murder *
Sentence
24 years imprisonment
On August 2023, following drinks at a friend's house, Douglas Clifton Brown, aged 56, argued with his former partner Camilla Welby in the car after their 15-year relationship had ended. Instead of driving her home, he drove to the historic well at High House Estate near Congham, Norfolk, which he had recently filled with water. He ferociously attacked her, striking her repeatedly in the face during a 35- to 40-minute car journey, causing swelling so severe she could not open her right eye. He dragged her from the vehicle and threatened 'I will put you down the well to kill you, then kill myself', attempting to murder her by throwing her down the disused well. Ms Welby escaped by throttling him with her scarf until he passed out, then drove herself to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn with injuries including a broken finger, fractured eye socket, broken nose, and was described as 'beaten black and blue'. The attack was described as an angry, drunken, and petulant reaction to a perceived slight, amid a history of abuse including prior strangling and pushing incidents.
Pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and making a threat to kill; unanimously convicted of attempted murder. Judge Alice Robinson noted his history of violence towards the victim, including two cautions for battery in 2018. Must serve two-thirds in custody. Concurrent sentences of 3 years and 9 months for GBH with intent and 3 years for threats to kill.