'It was a privilege to be Holly's mum, I only wish we could have done more to save her'

Holly Bramley's life ended at the hands of the man who was supposed to love her
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


The mum of Lincoln murder victim Holly Bramley is helping to raise awareness of domestic abuse after her daughter's tragic death. Holly was just 26 years old when she was brutally murdered by her husband Nicholas Metson at their flat in Lincoln.

Lincolnshire Police described the incident as "one of the most horrifically violent cases that Lincolnshire has seen". Holly was described by her family as "a beautiful, caring, innocent soul who had a kindness and warmth that affected everyone she met; a vibrant, happy and affectionate daughter, sister and aunt."

Her mum, Annette Bramley, is working with Lincolnshire Police and the Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Service to deliver a campaign in Holly's memory, to raise awareness and promote help and support for domestic abuse victims. Annette said: "It was a real privilege to be Holly’s mum, I only wish we had been able to do more to save her.

"I really do hope this campaign will make a difference to someone suffering in the same way. The biggest hurdle is getting that person to listen, to realise that they are not in a safe relationship; for them to believe what their worried family and friends can see, that they can't. That's the thing we need to get across because Holly couldn't see what a controlling, coercive fiend he was. But we could."

Holly's family outside Lincoln Crown Court following Nicholas Metson's sentencing in April 2024
Holly's family outside Lincoln Crown Court following Nicholas Metson's sentencing in April 2024 -Credit:Lincolnshire Live

Detective Chief Inspector Rachael Cox is the lead for Domestic Abuse at Lincolnshire Police. She said: "We are indebted to Annette. Despite her grief she is determined to work with us to help us reach those experiencing domestic abuse.

"She is an inspiration and a reminder of why we do this job. We are here to protect people and will continue to do all we can to raise awareness of what abuse is and to make sure everyone knows how they can get help even if they don’t feel they can approach the police to report yet."

Over the coming weeks, a "For Holly" campaign will highlight what Holly endured. The campaign aims to improve understanding of what domestic abuse is, and raise awareness of what you can do if you are suffering at the hands of an abuser.