A 64-year-old woman has been sentenced to three years in prison for repeatedly stabbing her husband with a kitchen knife following a dispute over the euthanasia of their pet dogs. Claire Bridger, from Taverham, Norwich, drove to the property where her estranged husband Keith was staying in Bramerton on 17 July last year, according to Norfolk Police.
Details of the Incident
Mr Bridger initially described his wife as appearing 'calm and normal' when she arrived. She brought up the topic of mediation and asked if he could cover the cost of the upcoming session. He agreed and turned to walk away, but Bridger then demanded to know the whereabouts of her dogs. Mr Bridger explained that she had already been informed by the vet, reiterating that the dogs had been put down.
At Norwich Crown Court, it was heard that Bridger's behaviour dramatically changed at this point. She became hysterical, swung her car onto the driveway, and repeatedly sounded the horn while screaming, 'You've killed my dogs.' Mr Bridger positioned himself in front of the car bonnet as she slowly edged the vehicle forward until it made contact with him. He stated that he did not believe she was trying to run him over, but the car did touch him.
The Stabbing
Bridger then flung the car door open, and her husband saw she was clutching a knife in her right hand. In one swift movement, she came at him and plunged the knife into his body. Mr Bridger recalled telling 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 pair ended up on the ground, where Mr Bridger realised he was bleeding profusely while Bridger bit him on his right thigh, thumb, arm, and left shoulder. A neighbour intervened and seized the knife. Police reported that Bridger had stabbed her husband in the chest and under his arm, causing life-threatening injuries.
Legal Outcome
Bridger appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Thursday, having previously pleaded guilty to wounding with intent. She was cleared of attempted murder and possession of a blade in a public place at an earlier hearing. 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.'
