BRADFORD SOLDIER WITH PTSD GUILTY OF KILLING PARTNER AFTER REPORT TO POLICE
A war veteran suffering from PTSD faces a possible life sentence after being convicted of the murder of his partner, Michelle Egge-Bailey.Lawton, aged 45, who served in conflicts including Northern Ireland, Iraq, and Afghanistan, attacked Michelle on the day after she reported him for drink driving, leading to his arrest, as revealed in Bradford Crown Court.
Michelle's body was found on 11 March inside their shared flat on Airedale Avenue in Cottingley, Bradford.
Concerned for her welfare, police responded to the scene and discovered her with multiple injuries, including fatal stab wounds to the neck.
She was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Lawton was charged with her murder during the investigation.
Evidence presented at trial indicated that the couple had spent the day arguing while intoxicated.
The court heard that Michelle's body had several stab wounds, one of which severed her jugular vein.
Lawton claimed he was sitting next to her, attempting to calm her down as she screamed, with her last words reportedly being an expletive telling him to leave.
He admitted to stabbing her three times in the neck and once in the arm.
During his testimony, Lawton described feeling dizzy and shaky, asserting that he had no memory of stabbing Michelle, suggesting it might have been a nightmare or a reflex.
Prosecutors argued that he had stabbed her while she was unconscious and unable to defend herself.
After a five-day trial and nearly five hours of deliberation, the jury found Lawton guilty of murder.
The judge confirmed that, given the conviction, the only possible sentence was life imprisonment and remanded him into custody.
Following the verdict, Michelle's family shared their sorrow.
Her mother, Kathleen Da Born, and stepfather, Jeremy Da Born, expressed their grief and acknowledged that although Lawton’s conviction brought a form of justice, it did little to heal their loss.
They thanked the authorities and support networks and asked for privacy during this difficult period.
It was noted that Lawton, who had previous military service, had initially admitted manslaughter but denied murder.
Only on September 3 did a jury decide that he was guilty of murder.
Court accounts revealed that Lawton’s combat-related PTSD may have contributed to his state of mind that night.
The judge underscored the mandatory life sentence for murder, and police officers described Michelle’s injuries as severe.
It was also reported that Lawton did not contact emergency services until after informing a friend that Michelle had died.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence, with authorities urging individuals in similar situations to seek help.
The date for Lawton’s sentencing has not yet been announced.
