The Lincoln Crown Court was plunged into a chilling saga of horror as the trial of Nicholas Metson, 28, unfolded. Metson, described as an “evil monster” by the prosecution, stood accused of the brutal murder of his wife, Holly Bramley, 26. The details that emerged during the trial painted a gruesome picture of the events that transpired in March 2023 as reported by The Guardian News.
According to the prosecution, Metson stabbed Holly at least four times before proceeding to dismember her body into more than 200 pieces. The court was told that Metson stored the grisly remains in the kitchen larder of their shared flat in Shuttleworth House, Stamp End, Lincoln, for a week. To cover up his heinous crime, Metson went to great lengths, purchasing large quantities of cleaning products and enlisting the help of a friend, Joshua Hancock, 28.
Hancock, a school friend of Metson’s, was reportedly paid £50 to assist in moving the body parts to the River Witham in Bassingham. The prosecution described the manner in which Metson dismembered his wife’s body as “twisted and barbaric,” far exceeding what was necessary to dispose of the remains. Shockingly, some parts of Holly’s body, including portions of her heart, were never recovered from the river.
The court heard that Metson initially attempted to deceive authorities by concocting a false narrative about Holly’s disappearance. He claimed that she had left their home on March 19 with members of a local mental health crisis team. However, suspicious circumstances, including the presence of bleach and ammonia odors in their flat, bloodstains, and a saw, led to Metson’s arrest.
Further incriminating evidence was uncovered from Metson’s mobile phone, including Google searches such as “How to get rid of a dead body” and “What benefits can I get if my wife dies.” Additionally, messages sent to Hancock offering money for assistance with a “job” implicated both men in the crime.
In a disturbing twist, Metson used Holly’s Facebook account to send messages to her friends, falsely portraying her as alive and well, while he attempted to cover his tracks. The court also heard that Metson was captured on CCTV footage moving bags from his flat into his vehicle on the day the body parts were disposed of in the river.
Throughout the trial, members of Holly’s devastated family were present, bearing witness to the unimaginable pain inflicted upon them. Annette, Holly’s mother, branded Metson an “evil monster” and expressed the profound impact of Holly’s loss on their lives. She described her daughter as “beautiful, kind, and loving,” emphasizing the lasting trauma caused by her tragic death.
Addressing Metson directly, Holly’s mother conveyed the anguish and grief that would forever haunt their family, expressing a heartfelt plea for justice. Similarly, Holly’s sister, Sarah-Jayne Lindop, condemned Metson’s actions as a callous theft of her sister’s life, leaving their family shattered and bereft.
In their defense, legal representatives for both Metson and Hancock cited mental health issues, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and cognitive impairments. They argued that these conditions contributed to their clients’ actions and urged the court to consider their vulnerabilities.
As the trial concluded, Judge Simon Hirst adjourned sentencing for both men, acknowledging the profound frustration of Holly’s family at never knowing the full extent of her suffering. The trial underscored the devastating consequences of Metson’s actions, leaving a community reeling from the horror of such senseless violence.
