Woman prompted 'love triangle' murder by sending jealous ex-partner photo of her performing sex act on new lover, court hears

Sarah Bramley accused of putting boyfriend 'out into the street' knowing former partner had repeatedly made threats against him, with allegedly saying 'feel free to assault him'

Michael Lawson was stabbed to death in Darlington during July last year (Durham Constabulary)

A woman alleged to have been at the centre of a love triangle has denied inciting her ex-boyfriend to murder her new partner.

Prosecutors say Sarah Bramley sent jealous former partner David Jeet Saunders a picture of her performing a sex act on Michael Lawson.

Saunders, 33, stabbed Ms Bramley’s new lover, Michael Lawson, 34, to death in, Darlington during July 2017.

He was jailed for a minimum of 22-and-a-half years at Teeside Crown Court in December.

Ms Bramley, 29, of Langdale Road, Darlington, now faces a charge of having encouraged or assisted the commission of an offence over the killing.

Wearing a pink shirt and dark skirt and watched by members of Mr Lawson's family in the public gallery, she pleaded not guilty at the same court where Saunders was sentenced several months prior.

The particulars of the charge state that she sent Saunders a photo of herself performing a sex act with Mr Lawson.

It is alleged Ms Saunders then put Mr Lawson “out into the street” knowing Saunders had repeatedly made threats against him, and that she said “feel free to assault him”.

Saunders then when on to attack Mr Lawson in Geneva Road, close to Ms Bramley’s home, stabbing him in the heart.

“We cannot put into words the pain we are feeling from this needless tragic loss,” said Mr Lawson’s family in a statement at the time of the murder.

“Michael was an inspiration to us all, so full of life while caring for others, he was a son, grandson and dad who touched the hearts of all who knew him.”

Ms Bramley’s case was adjourned until 25 October, when it will be heard by Judge Stephen Ashurst, who presided over the original murder trial.

She was granted unconditional bail ahead of the trial, which is expected to last two or three days.

Additional reporting by PA