A 28-year-old man confessed to brutally murdering his wife

He dismembered her body into 224 pieces and dumped in a river

The horrific incident unfolded at Bassingham, Lincolnshire

A gruesome crime shook the UK as a 28-year-old man, Nicholas Metson, confessed to brutally murdering his wife, Holly Bramley, and dismembering her body into 224 pieces before dumping them in a river.

The horrific incident unfolded in Lincoln, where Bramley’s remains were discovered in the Witham river at Bassingham, Lincolnshire, on March 25, 2023, eight days after she was reported missing.

Metson’s motive for the heinous act remains unknown. During the sentencing hearing at Lincoln Crown Court, it was revealed that Joshua Hancock, a friend of Metson, had aided in disposing of the corpse. Metson had paid Hancock to get rid of the remains, which he had kept hidden for nearly a week following the murder.

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Metson, who had a history of offences against former partners, including cruelty towards animals, had repeatedly stabbed Bramley in their apartment. The couple, married in 2021, were reportedly on the verge of separation.

The court heard victim impact statements from Bramley’s mother and sister, painting Metson as an “evil monster” who subjected her to “coercive control and manipulation.” The couple’s marriage was described as irretrievably broken down.

Despite extensive forensic examination, the exact cause of Bramley’s death could not be determined. The prosecutor emphasized the brutality of Metson’s actions, stating that he had “destroyed” his wife after murdering her.

Metson’s disturbing internet search history further highlighted his sinister intentions, underscoring the chilling nature of the crime that has shocked the nation.