Darlington woman admits to aiding murder in sex photograph scandal

DARLINGTON WOMAN ADMITS TO AIDING MURDER IN SEX PHOTOGRAPH SCANDAL

Sarah Bramley, aged 29 from Langdale Road in Darlington, has admitted to encouraging or assisting in the commission of a murder.

She previously sent a sex photo with her boyfriend to her ex-partner, David Saunders, who later went on to murder his rival, Michael Lawson, aged 34.

Bramley also ordered her current boyfriend to assault Mr.

Lawson, which she believed would result in a lesser offence such as common assault.

The court details indicate that between June 29 and July 2nd, 2017, Bramley communicated with Saunders through messages, including a photograph of herself engaged in a sex act with Mr.

Lawson, and told Saunders to feel free to assault him, knowing he had threatened violence.

Saunders was subsequently jailed for 22.5 years for the murder of Michael Lawson, which occurred in June 2018.

Bramley pleaded guilty to the charge: "Encouraging or assisting the commission of one or more offences, believing one or more would be committed." She is set to be sentenced in October 2023 after a background report is prepared.

Bramley claimed she believed Saunders would commit the least serious offence, i.e., common assault, and her sentencing has been scheduled for the week beginning October 8, 2023.

She has been granted bail until then, with the judge indicating all sentencing options remain open.

The court's proceedings involved discussions about her intentions and knowledge of Saunders' violent reputation, but the prosecution clarified they never claimed she intended to cause harm herself.