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, inflicted multiple stab wounds on the woman, including to her neck and chest, causing severe injuries to her lungs and liver. The violent attack occurred when Leggett’s partner unexpectedly returned home and found him naked with another man and drugs on November 23.

During the sentencing, Judge Martyn Levett described Leggett as unpredictable and dangerous, particularly when under the influence of drugs. Leggett will serve a minimum of two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole, with an additional three-year extended license period upon his release. The judge also imposed an indefinite restraining order preventing Leggett from contacting the victim or her family.

The incident took place in Lowestoft, where Leggett left his injured partner locked inside the property after the attack. The victim suffered life-threatening injuries from the eight stab wounds, which included chest wounds leading to a fractured rib and punctured lung, as well as other injuries to her cheek, neck, arm, and hand.

Leggett, residing in Carlton Colville, denied attempted murder but was found guilty by a jury. The court heard that the couple had been in a relationship for approximately four years before the violent confrontation occurred. Following the attack, the victim expressed enduring trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder and ongoing nightmares, leading to significant disruptions in her life and necessitating a change of residence.

Leggett’s arrest came after a resident of the house alerted neighbors, prompting police intervention. He was later apprehended at his father’s residence, where he made self-incriminating statements. The victim’s harrowing ordeal and the impact of the attack were detailed in a victim impact statement submitted to the court, highlighting the lasting emotional and psychological repercussions of the violent incident.