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Jun 2023

Crime

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

Published: 9 Jun 2023, 17:37 BST

Updated: 9 Jun 2023, 19:41 BST

by Calvin Robinson Chief Reporter

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.

https://youtu.be/Ayj3OVTgcuM

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.”

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

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