MARK BRANDFORD'S BRUTAL MURDER IN PORTSMOUTH: A TRAGIC TALE OF CONTROL AND VIOLENCE

The court proceedings have brought to light the tragic and violent case of Mark Brandford, a 49-year-old man from Portsmouth, who was convicted of the murder of his partner, Kayleigh Dunning. The devastating incident took place in December 2019 within the confines of Brandford's flat located on Kingston Crescent, a well-known area in Portsmouth.

According to prosecutors, the motive behind the attack was rooted in Brandford’s obsessive desire to exert control over Kayleigh. The court heard that on what was described as a 'special night,' Brandford’s anger and jealousy erupted after he discovered that Kayleigh had sent affectionate messages to another man. This revelation appeared to trigger a violent outburst that culminated in a brutal assault.

During the trial, jurors learned that Brandford armed himself with a crowbar and launched a vicious attack on Kayleigh. He 'lashed out' with the weapon, delivering approximately 30 blows, which inflicted severe injuries. Following this, he used a knife to stab her at least nine times in the neck. The scene was gruesome, and Kayleigh was found dead at the location. Court testimonies described her suffering from fatal injuries to her head and neck, highlighting the brutality of the assault.

Initially, Brandford denied any involvement in her murder, but the evidence presented during the trial led to his conviction. Judge Timothy Mousley QC did not hold back in his condemnation, describing Brandford as a 'deceitful' and 'manipulative' individual who sought to dominate others. The judge emphasized that Brandford showed 'no remorse' for his actions and made it clear that the attack was premeditated and intended to kill. The brutality of the assault was underscored by the judge’s remarks, illustrating how Brandford’s desire to possess Kayleigh was at the core of his violent actions.

Further details revealed that Brandford had engaged in a pattern of disturbing behavior, sharing private sexual images of Kayleigh without her consent over a period exceeding a year. He also created a Facebook profile using her intimate photos, further demonstrating his manipulative and controlling tendencies.

As a result of his actions, Brandford was sentenced to a minimum of 23 years in prison, with the possibility of parole after that period. The court’s verdict painted a stark picture of a man who used threats, manipulation, and violence in a tragic attempt to control his partner, ultimately leading to her untimely and violent death. The case serves as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of obsessive control and domestic violence in Portsmouth.