Harrogate woman recalls horror attack by husband’s ex-lover in Bilton

A Harrogate woman has spoken of suffering life changing injuries in a horrific attack at her home in Bilton.

Emma Russell, 43, was stabbed and slashed with a knife by Clare Bailey on Byland Road on June 23 last year.

Bailey, 45, of Dudley, was jailed for 22 years for attempted murder at Leeds Crown Court today.

She turned up at Ms Russell’s house wearing a covid mask, wig and sunglasses and offered a bouquet of flowers before attacking her.

A court heard that Bailey had previously had a relationship with Ms Russell’s husband.

The attack left her in a wheelchair and requiring painkillers every day. 

In an interview with North Yorkshire Police, she outlined her traumatic ordeal and spoke of how she still has flashbacks to the attack.

You can watch the full video below.

Ms Russell said:

“I am still in pain every day and need painkillers to help with this. I use crutches to get around as I am still unable to use my right leg fully and for longer distances I have a wheelchair.

“I’ve lost all my independence, I couldn’t go back to work, we are having to rely on disability benefits, I have just lost my whole life really, I need help with everything I do.

“I don’t sleep and when I do sleep, I have flashbacks and nightmares of that afternoon.

“I can’t imagine what my daughter went through, to witness what she did, to try and stop the attack, she is my hero, she will always be my little hero, I honestly don’t think I would still be here if she hadn’t been home that day.

“I know people will have their opinion about what I should have done following the attack, but I have done what was best for me. Affairs happen, they aren’t nice, but they happen and no-one would ever imagine something like this would be the outcome, this was not a normal reaction to someone breaking up a relationship.”

She added:

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who came to help on that day, people who didn’t know me, didn’t know whether they were safe or if they would be attacked too, thank you.”

Clare Bailey

Clare Bailey, who was jailed for 22 years today

Jonathan Surgrove, senior investigating officer at North Yorkshire Police, said:

“First of all I must commend the bravery of Emma, she has shown such courage throughout the investigation and I hope today’s sentence will allow her some closure on the events of that afternoon.

“This was an horrific attack on an innocent and blameless lady who is now unable to feel safe in her own home, work, or spend time independently with her children, as a result. Emma had to spend weeks in hospital away from her family receiving treatment for injuries which simply, should never have happened. All she did was open the front door to her home.

“From receiving the initial call from the ambulance service this was an extremely fast-paced investigation which led to the quick arrest and charge of the offender. It soon became clear the level of planning Bailey had put in place and the little regard she had for anyone getting in the way of what she wanted and I welcome the sentence handed to her today.”

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Woman denies attempted murder in Bilton

A 44-year-old woman denied attempted murder in Bilton when she appeared in court today.

Clare Bailey, of The Riddings, Dudley, appeared before Leeds Crown Court this morning to face the charge.

Ms Bailey, who appeared by via video link from Low Newton Prison, near Durham, spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth before entering a plea of not guilty.

She is alleged to have attempted to murder the named woman at a house on Byland Road, Bilton, on Thursday, June 23, this year.

The court set a trial date of December 12, 2022, which is scheduled to last for five days.

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Man released after conspiracy to commit murder arrest in Bilton

A man who was arrested in connection with an incident in Bilton has been released with no further action taken.

Police were called to a property on Byland Road on Thursday, June 23, where a woman was found with serious injuries.

A man in his 40s was arrested following the incident. Clare Bailey, 44, was also arrested.

The man was initially arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and bailed pending investigation.

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However, North Yorkshire Police has confirmed over the weekend he has been released from bail and no further action is being taken against him.

Ms Bailey, 44, was charged with attempted murder.

She appeared before York Magistrates Court on June 27, but entered no plea.

Ms Bailey, who is from Dudley, will now appear before Leeds Crown Court on July 25.

Woman charged with Harrogate attempted murder enters no plea

A 44-year-old woman will appear at crown court next month charged with attempted murder in Harrogate.

Clare Bailey, of Dudley, was arrested following an incident on Byland Road in Bilton on Thursday evening last week.

She was later charged with attempted murder and appeared before York Magistrates Court yesterday, where she entered no plea to the charge.

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The case was referred to Leeds Crown Court on July 25.

A man in his 40s has been bailed after being arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder following the same incident.

North Yorkshire Police said yesterday that the man was bailed while its investigation continues.

Woman charged with attempted murder in Harrogate

A woman in her 40s has been charged with attempted murder in Harrogate.

Clare Bailey was due to appear at York Magistrates Court today.

A man, also in his 40s, has been bailed after being arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder.

The two people were arrested on Friday after an incident on Byland Road in Bilton on Thursday.

A woman was taken to hospital with what police described as ‘substantial injuries’.

Forensic officers were called to the scene after the incident.

Today’s update by North Yorkshire Police said the man has been bailed while the investigation continues.

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Forensic experts at serious police incident in Bilton

Forensic teams remain on the scene following a serious incident in Bilton last night.

Yesterday evening, police were called to a property on Byland Road but no further information has been released since.

The Stray Ferret has been down to the address this morning to talk to residents. There is  frustration by the lack of information.

Many are also shocked by what has happened. The property remains guarded by police with forensic teams working under a tent.

At 7.15pm last night North Yorkshire Police released this statement:

“Officers are currently in attendance at a property on Byland Road following an incident earlier this evening.

“The investigation is currently in the early stages and we will issue an update in due course.

“Speculation can often be unhelpful and we ask anyone posting on social media to be mindful of this.”

The Stray Ferret has gone to the police for a further update but received nothing at the time of publication.

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Ongoing police incident in Harrogate
North Yorkshire Police is currently attending an incident in Harrogate.
Officers were called to a home on Byland Road in Bilton this evening.
No further details are available at this stage.
A police statement said:
“We are currently in attendance at a property on Byland Road following an incident earlier this evening.
“The investigation is in the early stages and an update will be issued in due course.
“Speculation can be unhelpful and we ask anyone posting on social media to be mindful of this.”

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