A man told a court he used "all his strength and might" to fight off his estranged wife, who allegedly stabbed him twice after he revealed he had their two dogs euthanised.
Marriage breakdown leads to violent confrontation
Keith Bridger and Claire Bridger, both 64, had been married for nearly four decades before their relationship broke down last year. The court heard Mr Bridger had moved out of the marital home in Taverham, Norfolk, though the couple were still attending mediation sessions.
The alleged attack occurred on January 8, 2026, at Mr Bridger's new property in The Street, Bramerton. Mrs Bridger, who denies attempted murder, had gone to visit him. According to his testimony, the confrontation began when he informed her about the fate of their pets.
‘You killed my dogs’ – The moment of the attack
Mr Bridger told Norwich Crown Court that his wife became "almost hysterical" after he said: "Claire, the dogs have been put down." He said she began screaming, "You killed my dogs, you killed my dogs."
The couple had taken on two rescue dogs in 2020 and 2021, which were described as having behavioural issues. After the separation, the dogs stayed with Mr Bridger, who said he had them put down after failing to find them a new home.
Mr Bridger testified that his wife pulled her car towards him, got out with a knife in her right hand, and stabbed him. "I was stabbed in the left side of my chest, just below and to the left of my nipple," he said. He described receiving a second stab below his rib cage and another under his armpit during the struggle.
Neighbours intervene as victim loses blood
The jury heard that during the attack, Mrs Bridger called her husband a "bastard" who had "killed our dogs" and "ruined" her life. Mr Bridger said she then bit him twice on his right thigh as he lay on his back, losing blood and screaming for help.
Neighbour Naomi Yeoh told the court she went outside after hearing shouting and saw a man and woman struggling on the ground. She said Mr Bridger "looked like he was trying to fight her off." Other neighbours helped disarm Mrs Bridger and a doctor assisted Mr Bridger.
Mrs Yeoh stated that Mrs Bridger "smelt very strongly of alcohol" and "looked mad and intoxicated." In her defence, Mrs Bridger said she had stopped by "on the spur of the moment" to drop things off and ask about paying for mediation. She claimed a kitchen knife was in her car from a trip to the tip and she was holding it while adjusting her seat before "tossing" it aside.
She told the court her last clear memory was her husband telling her "with complete fury in his face" that the dogs were dead, after which she panicked. When shown footage of the incident, she admitted she looked like a "mad woman."
Claire Bridger has admitted wounding with intent but denies the charge of attempted murder. The trial continues.
