Jail for man who stabbed ex-girlfriend through hand

A violent bully who left his ex-girlfriend with permanent nerve damage after stabbing her in the hand has been jailed for up to 14 years.

Bradley Richmond flew into a fit of jealous rage after going through the woman’s phone and seeing a selfie of her with an old school friend.

The 29-year-old, of no fixed abode, attacked the woman with a knife and stabbed her right through her hand.

Bleeding heavily, the woman went to hospital where she was operated on by plastic surgeons, but the attack left her with permanent nerve damage in her hand.

The incident happened in 2016, when Richmond was 21, but the woman didn’t report what had happened to police until 2024, after the relationship had ended and the defendant made further threats against her.

Richmond was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent following an investigation by Durham Constabulary.

He denied the offence but was found guilty following a crown court trial.

In a victim impact statement, the woman said: “I will carry the scar from Bradley’s attack on my hand for life, along with the permanent nerve damage he has caused.

“Along with the physical impact, Bradley’s abuse has had a significant impact on my mental health.

“I have had to take leave from my workplace due to my mental health; this has impacted me financially which is something that I am already struggling with.

“The fact that Bradley has not pleaded guilty to an offence he knows he has done has dragged out my healing process and I can’t help but feel this is on purpose so I cannot move on.”

Richmond returned to court last Wednesday (June 11) to be sentenced for the offence, and for another incident of causing grievous bodily harm in which he bit a man’s ear off in Darlington.

He had been out drinking in Darlington on July 8, 2023, when he and his brother got into an argument with a fellow drinker.

As the man tried to leave the pub, Richmond jumped on top of him, held him down on the ground and bit his ear off.

Teesside Crown Court heard surgeons tried to reattach the man’s ear, but the operation was unsuccessful.

Richmond was handed an extended prison sentence of 14 years and nine months comprising of 11 years and nine months in custody, and a further three years on extended licence.

PC Tony Ayre, from Darlington Safeguarding Team, said: “Richmond is a violent and dangerous individual; I am pleased the judge chose to impose a lengthy custodial sentence that reflects the severity and impact of his offending.

“Richmond’s victim has shown real bravery in coming forward and reporting what had happened to her to police.

“I’d like to praise her courage throughout the investigation and court process, and I hope this sentence allows her to put these incidents behind her and move on with her life.”

If you are suffering domestic abuse, please know you are not alone – there are people who can and will help you. 

Call 101, or 999 if you are in immediate danger.

Reports can also be made online at www.durham.police.uk/ro/report/domestic-abuse/a1/report-domestic-abuse/

If you don’t want to speak to the police, there are other helplines available: 

• The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247.
• The local service, Harbour, is also available 24 hours a day on 03000 20 25 25. 

The above services support both men and women.