Michelle Egge-Bailey: Ex-soldier Stephen Lawton murdered partner then went to the pub

WARNING: GRAPHIC DETAILS AND DISTRESSING CONTENT

A man has been found guilty of murder after he stabbed his partner in the neck, claiming he thought it had been a “bad dream”.

Stephen Lawton, a former soldier, killed his partner Michelle Egge-Bailey as she lay in bed in their Cottingley, Bradford home on March 11.

The 45-year-old had pleaded guilty to manslaughter but continued to deny that he murdered his 54-year-old partner.

On Wednesday Lawton was convicted of Ms Egge-Bailey’s murder and now faces life imprisonment, an outcome her family said brings them “no closure”.

During the trial at Bradford Crown Court it was established that the couple had been drinking on the day of the murder and Lawton “lost control” and brutally attacked his partner.

Lawton claimed that Ms Egge-Bailey had been insulting him and that she started shouting and swearing, the BBC reported.

He said he followed her into their bedroom to try and calm her down but she continued to make “nasty” comments.

He told the court that he then “felt dizzy”.

“I was shaking. I had sweats. I felt like I was going to pass out,” he said.

Lawton said he “totally lost control” after he picked up a knife, which he used to stab Ms Egge-Bailey multiple times in the neck.

Shockingly, he then sent a text message to his friend telling them he had done something “beyond stupid” after which he left Ms Egge-Bailey on the bed and went to a pub to see the friend.

Afterwards, he returned home and continued drinking alcohol until he fell asleep on the couch.

When Lawton woke up in the morning he said he thought the whole thing had been a “bad dream”.

During the trial, the court heard that he had been diagnosed with PTSD and depression following his tours in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Police and paramedics found Ms Egge-Bailey’s body the next morning on the bed with a pillow on top of her face.

Lawton admitted to covering her face with it so he didn’t have to see it.

Ms Egge-Bailey’s mother, Kathleen Da Born, and step father Jeremy Da Born, released a joint statement asking for privacy as they navigate the difficult road ahead.

“The traumatic ending of Michelle’s life will remain with us, always,” the statement said.

“This violent attack and murder of our daughter committed by Stephen Lawton may have concluded with his conviction, but as Michelle’s parents this brings us no closure.

“We would like to thank the Crown Prosecution Service, West Yorkshire Police family liaison team, and those that have helped and supported us and Michelle throughout.

“We would now ask for privacy and respect at this difficult time.”

James Entwistle, a detective chief inspector said that Lawton left Ms Egge-Bailey to die.

“Lawton then left her to die. It wasn’t until he phoned a friend and told them she was dead it was reported to us,” he said.

“This conviction highlights the tragic consequences of violence against women and girls and domestic abuse. I would urge anyone in this situation to report it to us, or other agencies so we can safeguard victims and bring offenders to justice.”

Lawton will be sentenced at a later date.

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.