Brighton woman jailed for ‘pre-meditated plan to kidnap, torture and murder’ ex-lover

Sophie George, 20, of Highbrook Close in Brighton, was jailed for 13.5 years on Wednesday (April 6) after pleading guilty to attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, police said.

It followed an incident shortly after midnight on Saturday, October 10, 2020, in which George, who was 18 at the time, arranged to be picked up by a man who was known to her.

On the way to his house she asked if they could take a detour, during which she jumped out and collected two filled shopping bags.

As the pair continued on their journey, George became insistent they drive to a nearby park and on several occasions grabbed the wheel.

A police spokesman said: “As her victim – a 23-year-old man – resisted, George pulled out a knife in Selsfield Drive and threatened him.

“A struggle ensued as the pair left the van and fought in the street, during which the victim managed to throw the knife into a bush.

“George bit her victim’s finger down to the bone while he made a 999 call to the police, as did a watching member of the public.”

Officers arrived on the scene and arrested George on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and possession of a bladed article.

However, a search of her shopping bags and address uncovered even more ‘sinister’ intentions, said police.

The bags contained protective clothing, bleach, duct tape and a Stanley knife – all linked to plans to kidnap, murder and cover up her crimes, police added.

A search of her address also found a number of notes in the form of ‘to-do lists’, featuring plans including ‘drive to grave site’, ‘tourture [sic]’ and ‘walk him to site, kill and bury’.

George was charged with attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon. She pleaded guilty at trial in May, 2021.

She was remanded in custody and sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday (April 6).

Detective Superintendent Jon Hull said: “This was a cold, pre-meditated plan to kidnap, torture and murder an innocent man, with clear steps to then cover-up the crime.

“I am in no doubt that George would have followed through with her hugely disturbing ‘to-do list’ were it not for the victim overpowering her and the prompt response of our officers to bring her into custody.

“I would like to thank the victim for his support in this investigation, the member of the public who called 999 and everyone involved – particularly Detective Paul Thomas who was in charge of the investigation - for helping to take a dangerous individual off the streets.”

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