A shocking incident captured on police bodycam footage reveals the arrest of an individual in a shed shortly after fatally stabbing his romantic rival. Michael James, aged 45, used a kitchen knife to end the life of Bradley Hollis, aged 35, during a confrontation at his residence in March 2025.
James lived in the same house with his former partner Zara Tolley, from whom he separated last year after a decade-long relationship. Hollis, a father of four, started a relationship with Ms. Tolley post the breakup, triggering a jealous outburst from James who attacked the new partner while his own children were upstairs asleep.
Subsequently, James was sentenced to 14 years in prison after being convicted of manslaughter and possessing a bladed weapon in a public place. He also pleaded guilty to an assault causing actual bodily harm towards his ex-partner, Ms. Tolley, just hours before the fatal attack on Hollis.
During sentencing, Judge Graham Reeds KC addressed James, stating, “Your actions towards Bradley Hollis were driven by a mix of jealousy and concern over his presence at your residence. It was evident that he should not have been there.”
The court proceedings revealed that James and Ms. Tolley cohabitated in Stannington, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, with their two children. The prosecution highlighted that the couple had been in a relationship for approximately 10 to 11 years, planned to marry in 2024, but eventually separated. In 2024, Ms. Tolley initiated a new relationship with Hollis, whom she referred to as her “soulmate.”
Richard Thyne KC, the prosecutor, described both men’s relationships with Ms. Tolley as “unhealthy,” leading to several incidents that resulted in Hollis being barred from visiting their family home.
Text messages sent from James to Ms. Tolley in the period preceding Hollis’ demise were presented in court. One message threatened violence against both Ms. Tolley and Hollis if the latter came near James’ children.
On the night of the fatal incident, James assaulted Ms. Tolley, resulting in her seeking refuge at a friend’s house. Subsequently, Mr. Hollis was called to the residence, leading to a physical altercation between James and Hollis where James resorted to using a knife, inflicting fatal wounds on Hollis.
Judge Reeds concluded that James did not act in self-defense but used the knife as a weapon to secure victory in the fight. James was apprehended by the police in a shed during the night as shown in the bodycam footage. In addition to the jail term, a restraining order was issued, preventing James from directly contacting Ms. Tolley without court permission.
If you need confidential assistance, contact the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline at 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk. For support in cases of fatal domestic abuse, AAF