The cousin of a Tory MP tried to kill his former partner by throwing her down a well at his country estate, a court heard.
Douglas Clifton Brown is alleged to have attacked Camilla Welby as they left a drinks party at a friend’s house.
Clifton Brown, cousin of Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, the North Cotswolds MP and public accounts committee chairman, is alleged to have driven both himself and Ms Welby to the well on High House estate near Congham, Norfolk, before attempting to drag her into it.
A prosecutor told Norwich Crown Court he “intended to end her life and to murder Camilla Welby by putting her into that disused well”. However, his victim was able to save herself by choking Clifton Brown with her scarf.
Clifton Brown, 56, who was in a relationship with Miss Welby for around 15 years prior to the incident, denies attempted murder.
Norwich Crown Court heard how Ms Welby believed Clifton Brown was driving her back to her home in Langham following the party on Aug 12 2023.
‘Argument escalated’
Ed Renvoize, prosecuting, told the court Clifton Brown became “aggressive” during a verbal argument which escalated into a “vicious assault”.
Clifton Brown allegedly delivered “numerous strikes to [Ms Welby’s] face” as he drove her to the High House country estate, which has been in his family for generations.
The Court heard that Clifton Brown then told Ms Welby he had “nothing to live for” because he faced arrest and was going to drive them to the well, which Mr Renvoize described as “deep” and “disused”.
Clifton Brown then said he was going to “put her down there [the well] before he put himself into the well”, the court heard.
After reaching the well Clifton Brown attempted to drag Ms Welby from the car and there was “more violence directed towards Camilla”, Mr Renvoize told the Court. He added that she was “able to find the strength to fight back against him”.
“She was able to wrap her scarf around his neck. She pulled so tightly, such was her fear, she choked him into near unconsciousness,” he said.
Mr Renvoize said Ms Welby’s actions “brought [Clifton Brown] to his senses to the extent his fight was extinguished and “that was the end to the violence.”
Suspected fracture
Ms Welby suffered a suspected fractured nose in the attacks, as well as a broken finger and extensive bruising to her head and face.
Despite her ordeal, she tried to persuade Clifton Brown to go with her to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in King’s Lynn.
Yet the court heard that, while he initially got into the car, Clifton Brown then told her he would throw himself out.
After getting out of the car and allowing Ms Welby to drive to the hospital, Clifton Brown was arrested at High House.
Clifton Brown has already admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent to cause serious harm as well as making a threat to kill.
The trial continues.