Woman jailed for stabbing husband after he had pet dogs put down | UK | News
School nurse Claire Bridger pictured with her estranged husband Keith (Image: East Anglia News Service)
A woman who repeatedly stabbed her husband with a kitchen knife following an argument over the euthanasia of their pet dog was sentenced to 3 years in prison.
According to Norfolk Police, Claire Bridger, 64, went to the property where her estranged husband Keith Bridger resided in The Street, Bramerton, on July 17 last year.
Mr. Bridger recalled that his wife initially seemed “calm and normal” and raised the issue of mediation and asked if she could cover the costs of an upcoming session.
He agreed and turned to walk away. While doing this, Bridger wanted to know where his dogs were.
Police said Mr Bridger had been briefed by the vet and reiterated that the dogs had been put to sleep.
Claire Bridger, 64, who stabbed her husband multiple times with a kitchen knife (Image: Norfolk Constabulary/PA Wire)
At this point, Norwich Crown Court was told Bridger’s demeanor changed dramatically. Police added that the woman became hysterical, threw her car into the driveway and repeatedly honked her horn and shouted, “You killed my dogs.”
As Mr. Bridger positioned himself in front of the hood of the car, Bridger slowly pushed the vehicle forward until it came into contact with him. In his statement, the police stated that he did not believe that the woman was trying to run him over, even though the car touched him.
Bridger opened the car door and her husband noticed by force that she was holding a knife in her right hand.
Claire Bridger stabs estranged husband Keith after knocking out their two dachshunds (Image: East Anglia News Service)
He stated that he lunged towards him in one move and the knife entered his body. Mr Bridger said he told her: “Claire, you stabbed me” and she replied: “Yes, XXXXXXX I will do it again you absolute XXXXXXX, how dare you kill my dog.”
Mr Bridger told the court the couple fell to the ground and he realized he was bleeding as the woman bit him on his right hip, thumb, arm and left shoulder.
A neighbor came in and took the knife. Police said Bridger stabbed her husband in the chest and under his arm.
Bridger, of Rossons Road, Taverham, Norwich, appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Thursday, admitting previously wounding with intent. At an earlier hearing, she was found not guilty of attempting to murder her husband and possessing a knife in a public place.
Detective Constable Cameron Brown said: “Mr Bridger suffered extremely serious injuries after being stabbed multiple times.
“This was an incredibly traumatic ordeal for him, and despite everything he faced, Mr. Bridger demonstrated extraordinary strength and courage throughout his recovery.”
