In a recent court hearing, a woman viciously stabbed her estranged spouse twice following his admission that he had euthanized their pet dogs. Claire Bridger, aged 64, is facing trial for the alleged attempted murder of Keith Bridger after their four-decade-long relationship came to an end. The incident occurred when Claire visited Keith at his residence in Norfolk, where he disclosed that he had put down their rescue dogs.
Keith, who was still engaging in mediation sessions with Claire despite their separation, sustained severe injuries from the attack. Although Claire denied attempted murder, she acknowledged carrying out the assault with intent. Testimony at Norwich Crown Court revealed the breakdown of their marriage, with Keith relocating from their shared home in Taverham, Norfolk.
According to the prosecution led by Peter Gair, the confrontation ensued when Claire learned about the euthanization of their dogs. The couple had taken in two rescue dogs, described as noisy and displaying behavioral problems, just before the onset of the COVID-19 lockdown. Following their separation, the dogs stayed with Keith, who struggled to find them suitable homes due to his new living arrangements.
Keith ultimately made the decision to have the dogs put to sleep, a choice that triggered Claire’s violent outburst. In a fit of rage, she attacked him with a knife after arriving at his residence to discuss mediation matters. The altercation led to Keith sustaining stab wounds in the chest and abdomen.
During the distressing incident, neighbors intervened upon hearing the commotion, aiding Keith and alerting emergency services. The situation escalated as Claire continued to accuse Keith of killing their dogs, prompting a call to the police for assistance. Keith received immediate medical attention from a neighbor who is a doctor and was subsequently hospitalized for critical injuries.
In her statement to the arriving officers, Claire expressed her grief over the loss of their dogs and claimed she acted impulsively. Represented by Tim Hunter, Claire denied the charges of attempted murder but admitted to the intentional infliction of wounds. As the trial unfolds, Claire, attired in a somber jumper, has shown visible signs of distress while the jury deliberates on the case.