Woman who stabbed and bit estranged husband over canine being put down learns her destiny
Claire Bridger, 64, turned up in her car at the property her husband Keith Bridger was staying in following their separation, at The Street in Bramerton, on July 17 last year, Norfolk Police said
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 a row over their pet dogs being euthanised has been sentenced to three years in prison.
Claire Bridger, 64, arrived by car at the residence where her husband Keith Bridger was living after their separation, on The Street in Bramerton, on July 17 last year, according to Norfolk Police. Mr Bridger stated that his wife initially sounded “calm and normal”, and she brought up the topic of mediation, asking if he could foot the bill for the upcoming session.
He agreed and turned to leave. As he walked away, Bridger demanded to know the whereabouts of her dogs. Mr Bridger clarified that she had already been informed by the vet and reiterated that the dogs had been euthanised, police said.
At this juncture, Norwich Crown Court heard that Bridger’s demeanour shifted, the force reported. She became hysterical, swerved her car onto the driveway, and honked the horn incessantly, shouting, “You’ve killed my dogs”, police added.
Mr Bridger stood in front of the car bonnet as Bridger then slowly drove the car forward until it made contact with him. He clarified in his statement that he did not believe she was attempting to run him over, but the car did touch him, police said.
Bridger flung the door open, and her husband noticed she had a knife in her right hand, according to the force. He said that in one swift motion she lunged at him and the knife penetrated him.
Mr Bridger recounted that he told her “Claire, you’ve stabbed me,” to which she retorted, “Yeah, I’m f****** going to do it again you absolute *******, how dare you kill my dog.”
Mr Bridger informed the court that they ended up on the ground, he was conscious of bleeding and that she was biting him on the right thigh, his thumb, arm and left shoulder.
A neighbour stepped in and seized the knife. Bridger had stabbed her husband in his chest and under his arm, according to police.
Bridger, from Rossons Road, Taverham, Norwich, appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Thursday after previously pleading guilty to wounding with intent.
She was acquitted of attempted murder of her husband and possession of a blade in a public place at an earlier hearing.
Detective Constable Cameron Brown stated: “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.”
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