A man has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for stabbing his partner multiple times after she discovered him in bed with another man. Ryan Leggett, aged 35, used a knife to attack the woman, causing significant injuries to her neck, chest, lungs, and liver. The incident occurred when Leggett’s partner arrived home unexpectedly and found him naked with another man and drugs on November 23.
Judge Martyn Levett expressed concerns about Leggett’s violent tendencies under the influence of drugs, labeling him as unpredictable and dangerous. Leggett was also given a three-year extended license period upon release, with a requirement to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole. An indefinite restraining order was issued, preventing Leggett from contacting the victim or her family.
The court heard that Leggett left his injured partner unaided after the attack, locking her inside the property in Lowestoft. The victim sustained life-threatening wounds, including eight stab wounds, fractured ribs, punctured lungs, and internal bleeding. Leggett, residing in Carlton Colville, denied attempted murder but was found guilty by a jury.
The couple had been in a relationship for about four years before the violent incident unfolded. After discovering Leggett in bed with another man, the victim confronted him, leading to a physical altercation where Leggett wielded a knife. Despite the victim’s plea for him to stop, Leggett continued to stab her, leaving her in critical condition.
Following the attack, Leggett was apprehended after making self-incriminating statements to the police. The victim, in her statement to the court, described the lasting impact of the assault, including post-traumatic stress disorder and ongoing nightmares. She expressed fear and paranoia, stating that her life had been significantly disrupted by the traumatic event.
The case shed light on the severe consequences of domestic violence and drug-related aggression, emphasizing the importance of legal consequences for such actions.
