A man has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for stabbing his partner eight times following an altercation when she discovered him in bed with another man. Ryan Leggett, 35, inflicted multiple wounds on the woman, including to her neck and chest, resulting in severe injuries to her lungs and liver. The incident occurred after Leggett’s partner unexpectedly returned home and found him naked in bed with another man and drugs.
Judge Martyn Levett described Leggett as unpredictable and dangerous, particularly when under the influence of drugs, and believed that he intended for his partner to die to avoid embarrassment. Leggett was also given a three-year extended license period upon release, with the requirement to serve two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for parole. Additionally, an indefinite restraining order was issued to prevent Leggett from contacting the victim or her family.
The court heard that Leggett left the injured woman unattended after the attack, locking her inside the property in Lowestoft. The victim suffered life-threatening injuries, including eight stab wounds that caused a fractured rib, punctured lung, and internal bleeding. Leggett, residing in Carlton Colville, initially denied attempted murder but was later convicted by a jury.
The couple, who had been in a relationship for four years, had a confrontation after the victim returned home late at night to find Leggett in bed with another man and drugs. Following a heated exchange, Leggett resorted to violence, leaving the victim with severe injuries. Despite her pleas for him to stop, Leggett continued to stab her multiple times, leaving her fearing for her life.
Leggett was apprehended later that day after authorities were alerted by a resident who witnessed the incident. He was found at his father’s residence, where he surrendered to the police. The victim, in her statement to the court, disclosed the lasting impact of the attack, including post-traumatic stress disorder and ongoing nightmares. She expressed fear of Leggett and the need to relocate due to safety concerns, emphasizing the traumatic effects of the incident on her and her family.