Woman sentenced to three years after stabbing her husband

A woman who repeatedly stabbed her husband with a knife has been jailed for three years.

Claire Bridger, 64, of Rossons Road, Taverham, Norwich, appeared at Norwich Crown Court today (7 May 2026) after previously admitting to wounding with intent.

She was found not guilty of the attempted murder of her husband, Keith Bridger, and possession of a blade in a public place at an earlier hearing.

On 17 July last year at 9.18pm, Bridger stabbed her husband with a kitchen knife in his chest and under his arm following an argument about their pet dogs being put down.

Officers arrived at the scene and were told by Air Ambulance paramedics that the injuries to Mr Bridger were life-threatening, and Bridger was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

The court heard that Bridger had turned up in her car at the property her husband was staying in following their separation at The Street in Bramerton.

He said his wife had initially sounded ‘calm and normal.’ She raised the issue of mediation, asking if Mr Bridger could pay for the upcoming session. He agreed and turned to walk away.

The court heard that, as he walked away, she 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 this point, the court was told that Bridger's demeanour changed dramatically. The court heard that she became hysterical, swung her car onto the driveway, and sounded the horn repeatedly shouting, “You’ve killed my dogs.”

Mr Bridger stood in front of the car bonnet as Bridger then drove the car forward slowly until it made contact with him. He clarified in his statement that that he did not believe she was trying to run him over, but the car did touch him.

The court heard that Bridger threw the door open, and her husband became aware she had a knife in her right hand. He states in one movement she came at him and the knife went into him. Mr Bridger states he cried, "Claire, you’ve stabbed me!" and she replied, "Yeah, I’m XXXXXXX going to do it again you absolute XXXXXXX how dare you kill my dog.”

Mr Bridger told the court they ended up on the ground, he was aware that he was bleeding and that she was biting him on the right thigh, his thumb, arm and left shoulder. A neighbour intervened and grabbed the knife.

DC Cameron Brown said: “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.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse - call Norfolk Constabulary on 999 in an emergency or to report online: https://www.norfolk.police.uk/tell-us 

You can find more about domestic abuse and help and support here.