NORFOLK MAN JAILED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER OF EX-GIRLFRIEND IN WELL PLOT
A 56-year-old man named Douglas Clifton Brown has been found guilty of attempting to murder his former partner.The assault took place after they left a gathering at a friend's house in Norfolk in August 2023.
The court was told that Brown drove Camilla Welby to High House Estate in Congham, where his family operated a wedding venue.
An argument ensued, and Brown tried to push her into an old well that had been recently filled with water.
During the trial at Norwich Crown Court, Judge Alice Robinson described Brown’s behavior as "angry, drunken, and petulant, albeit extreme." The jury convicted him of attempted murder, and he received a sentence of 24 years in prison.
The judge highlighted the seriousness of his actions, which included becoming aggressive, striking Welby multiple times in her face, and uttering threats against her and himself.
He attempted to drag her toward the well, but she managed to prevent him by wrapping her scarf around his neck.
Welby suffered serious injuries such as a fractured nose, a broken finger, and significant bruising.
It was also revealed that Brown had previously filled the well with water, supporting the theory that he intended to kill her.
The following day, Norfolk Police arrested him at his home.
In police interviews, Welby expressed her fear for her safety, stating that Brown had threatened she would never see her unborn grandchildren and that she believed she would be thrown into the well.
Brown, who comes from a family with notable political ties, including Members of Parliament, showed no remorse upon conviction and even tried to shift blame onto Welby for the incident.
The court noted the psychological harm inflicted on Welby, describing her as "scared beyond measure" and experiencing nightmares and anxiety after the attack.
