Girlfriend jailed for helping County Durham Facebook feud killer

Bradley, who had started a relationship with Armstrong shortly before the attack, drove him to Mr Connelly’s house in her Nissan Juke in convoy with Hughes’ van from Peterlee, stopping on the way at Armstrong’s father’s yard where it is believed they collected weapons including a metal pole.

Mr Lumley said a woman’s voice could be heard laughing on the recording while the attack took place and Bradley, now 20, must have been able to hear the beating.

She then drove Armstrong away at speed and stayed with him until about 14:00, after which she sent him the numbers of his relatives when he got a new mobile phone, the court heard.

Bradley, of Beech Grove, Trimdon Grange, continued to message him over the following days, expressing her love and offering to help him before she was arrested at her home on 3 May, the court heard.

Hughes was arrested in Leeds the same day and Armstrong handed himself in on 21 May after going on the run, the court heard.

Both denied murder but were found guilty following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court and jailed for life in November.

Hughes was given a minimum of 26 years and Armstrong 24 years.

Mr Lumley said Bradley “must have been aware” of the feud and that Mr Connelly had been seriously injured.