Natalie Connolly 'was happy with businessman boyfriend' before alleged murder
The twin sister of a young mother allegedly murdered at the hands of her older boyfriend fought back tears as recalled how 'happy' her sibling seemed.
Gemma Kelsey Andrews wiped tears from her eyes as she tried to compose herself in the witness box moments before she spoke about her late sister Natalie Connolly.
She claimed she had 'never seen her sister so happy in life' after launching into a new relationship with wealthy businessman John Broadhurst.
But Ms Andrews said she was left 'shocked' when her sister showed marks she had received during 'rough sex' sessions with murder-accused Broadhurst - including on her upper arms and bottom.
Giving evidence on Friday, prosecutor Mr David Mason QC said: "When you saw them, did it appear that Natalie was really happy with John Broadhurst?"
Ms Andrews replied: "Yeah she did."
The prosecutor put it to Ms Andrews: "Did Natalie tell you that she thought Mr Broadhurst was good in bed and liked to have, what is described as, rough sex?"
Ms Andrews replied: "Yes."
The witness claimed Broadhurst seemed 'smitten' with Ms Connolly and ended his relationship with his partner at the time to be with the 26-year-old after the pair's secret meetings in Manchester and Scotland.
She said the couple, who would use cocaine on a 'recreational basis,' started their relationship about six months before she was found dead in the five-bedroom Kinver rented house they shared with children from previous relationships.
Jurors also heard how Ms Connolly 'could hold her drink' and would not appear intoxicated after drinking her regular 10 pints of cider and blackcurrant on an evening out.
Ms Andrews said of their outings: "I seemed to be the one who was drunk but Natalie could hold her drink. That was pretty much every time. She had to look after me. She was a happy drunk."
During the trial at Birmingham Crown Court, Mr Mason told jurors Broadhurst 'totally lost it' during the couple's drink-and-drug-fuelled masochistic rampage at their Kenrose Mill property.
The 40-year-old is accused of leaving Ms Connolly naked and heavily bleeding at the bottom of the stairs after beating her with his fists, spraying her face with bleach and causing internal injuries with a bottle of cleaning product.
He had discovered his partner was messaging ex-boyfriends and had arranged to meet a man in Dubai after sending topless pictures to him, prosecutors allege.
Investigations later concluded Ms Connolly consumed ‘potentially fatal’ levels of alcohol and was five times the drink-drive limit.
She had also taken two grams of cocaine, amphetamine and poppers.
Broadhurst, of Blakeshall Farm, Wolverley, denies murder and an alternative charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent on December 18, 2016.
The trial continues.
