Woman stabbed estranged husband twice after he put their canine down, courtroom hears
Claire Bridger, 64, allegedly left Keith Bridger with life-threatening injuries after he told her he had put down their two rescue dogs, Norwich Crown Court heard
A woman stabbed her estranged husband twice leaving him with life-threatening injuries after he disclosed he’d had their rescue dogs put down, a court has been told.
Claire Bridger, 64, allegedly left Keith Bridger with life-threatening wounds after attacking him with a blade, striking his chest and stomach.
The accused “became hysterical” after travelling to the property where her estranged husband was residing to request payment for their next mediation appointment – leading to her to discover both animals had been put down, the jury heard. Prosecutor Peter Gair stated: “She was screaming ‘You’ve killed my dogs’.”
Bridger exited the vehicle clutching a knife in her right hand and attacked her estranged husband twice, once to the chest and once to the stomach, Mr Gair added. Bridger is also accused of biting his arm whilst he lay on the ground bleeding and pleading for assistance.
Local residents intervened when they realised what was unfolding and attempted to wrestle the weapon from Bridger before alerting emergency services, the Daily Mail reports. A section of the 999 call was heard by jurors, in which the caller informed the operator: “There’s a woman with a knife.”
Bridger could allegedly be heard shrieking at her estranged husband “You killed my dogs” and calling him a “horrible man”. Mr Bridger was also audible saying: “She stabbed me.” Upon police arrival, the accused reportedly declared “he killed my dogs” and stated: “I just saw red”.
The pair had been in a relationship for nearly 40 years but parted ways a year prior to the alleged incident on the night of 17 July last year, Norwich Crown Court heard.
Mr Gair informed the court they had adopted a rescue dog at their marital home in Taverham, Norfolk, in March 2020, days before the first lockdown, and then took in another one a year later.
Described as “quite noisy”, “bitey” and having “behavioural issues”, the dogs were cared for by Mr Bridger after the couple’s relationship ended. However, he was not permitted to keep them permanently at his one-bedroom flat in Bramerton and efforts to find them a new home had been unsuccessful.
Mr Gair stated: “He felt there was only one option and that was to have them put down.” The defendant was not informed about this decision and upon arriving at her alleged victim’s house to discuss the mediation session, she demanded: “Where are my dogs?”
Mr Bridger’s “severe” and “life-threatening” injuries were attended to by a neighbour who is a doctor, before he was transported to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
Bridger, appearing emotional in the dock as the case was presented yesterday, denies the charge of attempted murder. The jury has been informed she has admitted to an offence of wounding with intent. The trial is set to continue.
