Old Etonian's 24 years' jail for well murder bid

AN OLD Etonian who attempted to murder his ex-lover after threatening to throw her down a well in a "sadistic plot" at his family's country estate, has been jailed for 24 years.

- By Paul Jeeves Crime Editor

Douglas Clifton Brown had a bitter argument with Camilla Welby in a car after drinks at a friend's house, before attacking her in August 2023.

The 56-year-old, who was driving, changed routes and instead of heading to her home as planned, drove to High House Estate near Congham, Norfolk, where he had filled the well with water, preparing to drown her. The estate, now a wedding venue, has been in his family for generations.

Bloodied

Judge Alice Robinson, sentencing at Norwich Crown, said Clifton Brown erupted in fury about a perceived slight and drove past the turning for Miss Welby's house.

She said the defendant told Miss Welby he would "drop her off at the next village", but then started driving again after he "tried unsuccessfully to get her out of the car".