A man has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for stabbing his partner eight times after she discovered him in bed with another man. Ryan Leggett, 35, attacked the woman with a knife, causing wounds to her neck, chest, lungs, and liver. The incident occurred when Leggett’s partner returned home unexpectedly and found him in a compromising situation on November 23.
Judge Martyn Levett expressed concerns about Leggett’s violent tendencies while under the influence of drugs and sentenced him to a lengthy prison term. In addition to the 27-year sentence, Leggett will face an extended license period of three years upon release. The judge emphasized the severity of the crime by issuing an indefinite restraining order preventing Leggett from contacting the victim or her family.
During the trial at Ipswich Crown Court, it was revealed that Leggett left the injured woman alone after the attack, locking her inside the house. The victim sustained life-threatening injuries, including multiple stab wounds to her chest, neck, abdomen, and other body parts, resulting in internal bleeding and a fractured rib.
Leggett, from Carlton Colville, denied attempted murder but was found guilty by a jury. The court heard that the couple, who had been in a relationship for four years, had a heated confrontation after the victim caught Leggett with another man in their bed. The victim described feeling shocked and disgusted by the scene before the violent altercation ensued.
Despite pleading with Leggett to stop the attack, the victim was repeatedly stabbed and left bleeding on the floor. Another resident of the house intervened and sought help from a neighbor, leading to Leggett’s arrest. The victim, in a statement to the court, shared the lasting trauma she has experienced, including post-traumatic stress disorder and ongoing nightmares.
The woman expressed how the incident has deeply impacted her life and that of her family, causing them to live in fear and relocate due to safety concerns. She emphasized the emotional toll of the betrayal and violence inflicted by Leggett, stating that their entire relationship was built on deceit and lies.