The gruesome murder of 26-year-old Holly Bramley by her 28-year-old husband, Nicholas Metson, has shocked the UK. After repeatedly stabbing his wife, Metson proceeded to dismember her body into 224 pieces before dumping the remains in a river wrapped in plastic bags. His friend, Joshua Hancock, was also involved in disposing of the corpse and has pleaded guilty to the charge.
Bramley's remains were discovered in the Witham river at Bassingham, Lincolnshire, eight days after she was reported missing. Metson initially denied the murder but later confessed to the crime without providing a reason. The couple, who had been married since 2021, were on the verge of separating at the time of the incident.
During the sentencing hearing, victim impact statements described Metson as an "evil monster" who subjected Bramley to "coercive control and manipulation." Metson had a history of cruelty towards animals and was known to have killed their pets as a form of punishment.
Police became suspicious when they found bloodstained sheets, a saw, and evidence of recent cleaning at the couple's apartment. Metson was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder. Bramley's dismembered remains were discovered in plastic bags in the river, and the exact cause of death could not be determined.
Metson was also found to have withdrawn money from Bramley's account after her death and had searched online for information related to benefits after a spouse's death and whether someone could haunt him after death.
The sentencing of Nicholas Metson is scheduled for Monday, April 8, and he faces a lengthy prison term for his heinous crime.
