EAST SUSSEX BUILDER MARK BROWN GUILTY OF DOUBLE MURDER
Mark Brown, a construction worker from East Sussex, has been convicted of murdering two women he met through an escort website.The victims are Alexandra Morgan, aged 34 from Sissinghurst, and Leah Ware, aged 33 from Hastings.
The 41-year-old Brown was found guilty at Hove Crown Court after a trial that exposed disturbing details about his conduct.
Although he denied involvement in the murders, he had previously told his employer that he expected to serve at least 25 years in prison.
The court heard that Brown killed Leah Ware around 7 May 2021 after tensions rose when she pressed him to leave his long-term partner of 14 years.
The body of Alexandra Morgan remains undiscovered; Brown claimed she died accidentally in a workshop he rented at Little Bridge Farm near Hastings.
He admitted to panic-driven disposal of her body, using an incinerator made from an oil drum.
Prosecutors argued that he murdered both women and then disposed of their remains in a deliberate yet secretive manner, including setting her body on fire.
Evidence showed Brown sent messages about how he disposed of the bodies, including one stating, "It's a very unpleasant thing to do - an old oil drum, five litres of diesel, and hey presto, there’s not very much left." The court also heard he predicted his arrest to his boss and lied about Leah Ware’s fate, wrongly claiming she was sectioned or had taken her own life.
Judge Mr.
Justice Nicholas Hilliard described the case as "of the utmost gravity," highlighting the profound impact on the victims' families.
He announced that Brown will face a life sentence, with the court determining the minimum term or parole eligibility.
Police investigations used phone mast data to track Brown’s movements after Leah Ware’s disappearance.
While her remains have not been recovered, skeletal remains of her dog, Lady, were found in a pond on the farm linked to Brown.
The trial also revealed Brown’s controlling relationship with Ware and his efforts to conceal her whereabouts.
Despite his claims she had moved away or taken her own life, evidence such as prescription drugs found in his car supported the conclusion that he was responsible for her death.
