Chapter 59

SHAMED actress Sofia Bradbury ended her life minutes before the hijacked car she was told she was about to die inside was halted at the last moment, an inquest has been told.

The 78-year-old Golden Globe winner, who was one of the final five Passengers in April’s hijack, took an overdose of tablets and used a shard of glass from a broken tumbler to fatally injure herself.

Ms Bradbury, whose husband Patrick Swanson is currently awaiting sentencing after admitting eleven separate counts of sexually abusing children, was accused during her ordeal of being complicit in covering up her husband’s crimes.

The inquest at West London Coroner’s Court heard how a post-mortem discovered twenty painkillers and forty-three tranquilisers in her stomach along with lacerations to her arms and wrists. The prescription medication had been used for a longstanding problem with back pain.

Recording a conclusion of suicide, Coroner Bee Jones said: ‘While we have no evidence that Ms Bradbury’s death was as a direct result of the accusations made about her by the man commonly referred to as the Hacker, it would not be a great leap of faith to suggest it played a role in her decision to end her life.

‘No note or letter was found, but from the footage of her final moments in the vehicle, it is clear that she was in a very agitated, emotional state. I believe this led to her decision.

‘Therefore, I have no choice but to record a conclusion of suicide.’

Swanson has made many allegations about his wife since his plea, implying that not only did she voluntarily pay hush money to keep the families of victims quiet, but she may also have actively sourced and participated in the abuse of children, accusations that have yet to be substantiated.

All five hospitals Ms Bradbury actively raised money for have since distanced themselves from her name, and, last night, online streaming services have confirmed they will no longer be broadcasting her work again.

Ms Bradbury left £18.5 million in her will, split between her adult niece, nephew and her dog, Oscar.

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