Woman repeatedly stabbed husband after argument over pet dogs being put down
A woman who repeatedly stabbed her husband with a kitchen knife following an argument over their pet dog being put down has been jailed for three years.
Norfolk Police said Claire Bridger, 64, drove to the property where her estranged husband Keith Bridger was staying on The Street in Bramerton on July 17 last year.
Noting that his wife initially seemed “calm and normal,” Mr. Bridger raised the issue of mediation and asked if he could pay for 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 reiterated that he had been briefed by the veterinarian and that the dogs had been put to sleep.
At this point, Norwich Crown Court was told Bridger’s demeanor changed.
Police added that the woman became hysterical, swung her car into the driveway and repeatedly honked her horn and shouted, “You killed my dogs.”
As Mr. Bridger stood in front of the hood of the car, Bridger slowly drove the car forward until it came into contact with him.
In his statement, the police stated that he did not believe that the woman tried to run him over, but that the car touched him.
Bridger answered the door and her husband noticed he had a knife in his right hand, according to police.
He said that he came at him in one move and the knife stabbed him.
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 they found themselves on the ground, he was aware he was bleeding and she bit him on his right thigh, thumb, arm and left shoulder.
His neighbor intervened 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 after previously admitting 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.”
