Man Found Guilty of Murdering Two Women in Sussex
A jury at Hove Crown Court has found Mark Brown guilty of murdering two women, 33-year-old Leah Ware and 34-year-old Alexandra Morgan. The gruesome killings took place at a yard Brown rented at Little Bridge Farm in Westfield, near Hastings.
Investigation Unravels Horrific Crimes
Brown, 41, denied the charges but was convicted after a complex probe by Kent and Sussex Police. The investigation began after Alexandra’s parents reported her missing on 18 November 2021, when she failed to return home as expected.
Alexandra, a mum of two, had met Brown via an adult services website. Police painstakingly analysed hours of ANPR and CCTV footage plus phone records, confirming Alexandra drove from her home in Sissinghurst to meet Brown at Little Bridge Farm on Sunday 14 November 2021.
Evidence showed Alexandra was murdered at the farm and her body burnt in an oil drum found at a building site near Sevenoaks where Brown worked. Forensic experts identified the remains from her dental records.
Brown confessed to burning Alexandra’s body but denied killing her, claiming she died after a fall at the site.
Second Victim Leah Ware Disappeared Months Earlier
While searching Brown’s van, police discovered prescription drugs in Leah Ware’s name. Leah had been missing since early May 2021. She had no contact with family or friends, no phone use, and no financial activity since then.
Leah had also met Brown through an adult services website in March 2018 and lived in a shipping container at Little Bridge Farm he kept.
Detectives established Brown was the last person seen with Leah and believed she died around 7 May 2021. Brown tried to cover his tracks by collecting Leah’s prescriptions and withdrawing money from her bank, all while telling others she was in hospital or had taken her own life.
Further heartbreak came when Leah’s Pomeranian dog’s bones were found near the farm, though Brown had rehomed her beloved Mastiff. Friends said Leah was devoted to her animals and would never have abandoned them.
Conviction Brings Some Justice for the Victims
Brown was charged with Leah’s murder on 1 February 2022 and pleaded not guilty to both murders. After a seven-week trial, the jury unanimously convicted him on 1 December 2022. He is set to be sentenced at Hove Crown Court on Friday 13 January 2023.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Kimber said: “Alex Morgan had everything to live for. Tragically, her efforts to support her family brought her into contact with Mark Brown, an exceptionally dangerous man who poses a serious threat to women. I’m pleased he’s been convicted and hope her loved ones can find some closure.”
Detective Superintendent Andy Wolstenholme added: “No-body homicide cases are extremely rare and hard to prove. Thanks to huge investigative work by Kent and Sussex Police, we built a strong case. Leah’s trust in Brown was exploited, leading to her death. We hope today’s verdict brings justice for Leah’s family and friends.”
