A woman allegedly stabbed her estranged spouse twice following his disclosure that he had euthanized their pet dogs, as per court proceedings. Claire Bridger, aged 64, is facing trial over the attempted murder of Keith Bridger after their four-decade-long relationship concluded. The incident took place when Claire visited Keith at his residence in Norfolk and was informed that their rescue dogs had been put to sleep.
Despite ongoing mediation sessions between the couple, Keith sustained severe injuries from the stabbing. Claire pleaded not guilty to attempted murder but acknowledged a charge of wounding with intent. Norwich Crown Court heard that the marriage had disintegrated, leading Keith to move out of their shared home in Taverham, Norfolk.
According to the trial, Claire assaulted her husband upon learning about the euthanasia of their dogs. The couple had taken in one rescue dog just before the lockdown in March 2020 and another dog approximately a year later. These dogs, described as noisy, bitey, and with behavioral problems, had been staying with Keith post-separation. Keith struggled to find a suitable home for the dogs due to his new living arrangements, ultimately deciding to have them put down, a decision unknown to Claire.
Upon Claire’s confrontation with Keith on July 17 last year, she became distraught upon discovering the fate of their pets. Following a heated exchange, Claire resorted to violence, wielding a knife and inflicting two stab wounds on Keith. The altercation escalated as neighbors intervened to restrain Claire and assist the injured Keith, who was rushed to the hospital for treatment of critical injuries.
During the emergency call reporting the incident, Claire was heard accusing Keith of killing the dogs and engaging in further verbal altercations. Despite initially blaming Keith for the dogs’ demise, Claire later expressed a lack of control over her actions during the event. Represented by Tim Hunter, Claire denied the charge of attempted murder in court.
In a somber court appearance wearing a dark grey jumper, Claire displayed visible emotional distress as the case unfolded. She has admitted to the charge of wounding with intent, while the trial proceedings continue.