School nurse Claire Bridger pictured with her estranged husband Keith (Image: East Anglia News Service)
A woman who repeatedly plunged a kitchen knife into her husband following a row over the euthanising of their pet dogs has been sentenced to three years in prison.
Claire Bridger, 64, drove to the property where her estranged husband Keith Bridger was residing at The Street in Bramerton on July 17 last year, according to Norfolk Police.
Mr Bridger recalled that his wife initially appeared “calm and normal”, raising the subject of mediation and enquiring whether he could cover the cost of an upcoming session.
He agreed and turned to walk away. As he did so, Bridger demanded to know the whereabouts of her dogs.
Mr Bridger explained that she had already been notified by the vet, reiterating that the dogs had been put down, police said.
Claire Bridger, 64, who repeatedly stabbed her husband with a kitchen knife (Image: Norfolk Constabulary/PA Wire)
At this point, Norwich Crown Court was told that Bridger’s demeanour changed dramatically. She became hysterical, swung her car onto the driveway and repeatedly sounded the horn, screaming, “You’ve killed my dogs”, police added.
Mr Bridger positioned himself in front of the car bonnet as Bridger slowly edged the vehicle forward until it made contact with him. He clarified in his statement that he did not believe she was attempting to run him over, though the car did make contact with him, police said.
Bridger flung the car door open, and her husband became aware that she was clutching a knife in her right hand, according to the force.
Claire Bridger stabbed her estranged husband Keith after he had their two dachshunds put down (Image: East Anglia News Service)
He stated that in a single movement she lunged at him and the knife entered his body. Mr Bridger said he told her “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 the pair ended up on the ground, where he became aware he was bleeding while she bit him on the right thigh, his thumb, arm and left shoulder.
A neighbour stepped in and seized the knife. Police stated that Bridger had stabbed her husband in the chest and beneath his arm.
Bridger, of Rossons Road, Taverham, Norwich, appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Thursday, having previously admitted to wounding with intent. She was found not guilty of the attempted murder of her husband and possession of a blade in a public place at an earlier hearing.
Detective Constable 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.”
