A 64-year-old woman has been sentenced to three years in prison for repeatedly stabbing her husband with a kitchen knife following a heated argument over their pet dogs being put down. The incident occurred in the village of Bramerton, Norfolk, on July 17 last year.
Details of the Attack
Claire Bridger arrived in her car at the property where her estranged husband, Keith Bridger, was staying on The Street. According to Norfolk Police, Mr Bridger initially thought his wife seemed "calm and normal" as she raised the topic of mediation and asked if he could pay for an upcoming session. He agreed and turned to walk away. At that moment, Bridger demanded to know where her dogs were. Mr Bridger explained that she had already been informed by the vet and reiterated that the dogs had been put down.
At Norwich Crown Court, it was heard that Bridger's demeanor changed dramatically. She became hysterical, swung her car onto the driveway, and sounded the horn repeatedly while shouting, "You've killed my dogs." Mr Bridger stood in front of the car bonnet as Bridger drove forward slowly until the car made contact with him. He clarified in his statement that he did not believe she was trying to run him over, but the car did touch him.
The Stabbing
Bridger then threw the car door open, and her husband saw she had a knife in her right hand. In one swift movement, she came at him and plunged the knife into his body. Mr Bridger told her, "Claire, you've stabbed me," to which she replied, "Yeah, I'm going to do it again you absolute, how dare you kill my dog." The couple ended up on the ground, with Mr Bridger bleeding and Bridger biting him on the right thigh, thumb, arm, and left shoulder. A neighbor intervened and managed to grab the knife.
Police confirmed that Bridger had stabbed her husband in the chest and under his arm, causing extremely serious injuries.
Court Proceedings
Bridger, of Rossons Road, Taverham, Norwich, appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Thursday after previously admitting to wounding with intent. She was found not guilty of attempted murder and possession of a blade in a public place at an earlier hearing. The court sentenced her to three years in prison.
Detective Constable Cameron Brown commented: "Mr Bridger suffered extremely serious injuries after being repeatedly stabbed. This was an incredibly traumatic ordeal for him, and despite everything he has faced, Mr Bridger has shown extraordinary strength and courage throughout his recovery."
