Woman, 18, prepared 'torture kit' to murder and bury ex-boyfriend

A woman has been jailed after she planned to kidnap, torture, murder and bury a former lover by following a detailed 'to-do' list.

Sophie George, from Brighton, was 18 at the time she arranged to be picked up by a man, 23, who was known to her in October 2020.

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.

George, now 20, insisted they drive to a nearby park and grabbed the wheel several times.

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As her victim resisted George pulled out a knife.

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 member of the public.

After officers arrested George they found the two plastic bags contained items such as protective clothing, cleaning equipment such as bleach, duct tape and a Stanley knife.

Later investigations found 'to-do lists' at George's home featuring plans including driving to the 'grave site', torturing and killing the victim.

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

She was jailed for 13-and-a-half years on Wednesday.

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.”