Man jailed for 17 years after stabbing ex-partner 35 times

A man who stabbed his ex-partner more than 30 times after she told him she didn’t want to be with him anymore has been jailed for 17 years.

Andrew Fowler stabbed his former partner, Anastasia Wade, around 35 times on her arms, back and neck while telling her: “If I can’t have you, no one can.”

Fowler also hit her over the head with a brick after she tried to escape from the attack, which happened at a house in Ridsdale Street, Darlington, on the morning of June 8, 2023.

Anastasia fled from the back yard into an alleyway behind the property where she screamed for help from passers-by.

She was taken to hospital where she was treated for her injuries.

Fowler was arrested by armed officers following a short stand-off during which he tried to set fire to the property before jumping from a first-floor window.

Fowler, of Ridsdale Street, Darlington, was charged with attempted murder following a police investigation.

The 35-year-old admitted the offence and appeared at Teesside Crown Court yesterday (December 19) where he was jailed for 17 years.

Tragically, Anastasia died in September this year aged 30.

Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file has been prepared for the coroner.

She leaves behind her daughter and two sisters, Lucy and Georgina, who today described her as ‘brave, intelligent, funny and loved by many’. 

“Anastasia was a mam who loved her daughter deeply. She was a sister, niece, good friend and loved by many,” they said.

“Although the crime is attempted murder it’s important to remember a young life has been lost. At 30 years old she had the rest of her life ahead of her.

“We’re devastated by Anastasia’s passing and even more so that she has not been able to see justice for this horrendous act of domestic violence.

“We’re relieved to be able to close this chapter but saddened that we do not get to share the next one with our sister. No amount of sentence can justify what Andrew has done to our family, but I hope it brings closure for her. May she finally rest in peace.”

They also thanked police for their help and support throughout the investigation, which was led by Detective Superintendent Lee Blakelock.

He said: “This has been an incredibly tragic case for all involved, and I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to Anastasia’s family and friends.

“Anastasia showed immense strength and courage throughout the police investigation. It is important for her family that we remember her and the person she was, not Fowler who subjected her to such a horrific attack.

“It is a tragedy that she is not here to see the sentence passed.

“I hope that the sentencing brings some closure for her family and friends, and that is allows them to move forward and begin rebuilding their lives.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, tell us – call 101 or dial 999 in an emergency.

If you’re more comfortable reporting online, you can visit our online reporting page here: https://tinyurl.com/ycxyx9tm

If you’re not ready to speak to police, there are other agencies who can help:

• Local charity Harbour provides support to those experiencing domestic abuse. Call 03000 20 25 25 or visit www.myharbour.org.uk
• The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is also available 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247.

If you’re concerned your current or ex-partner has a violent or abusive past, you can make an application for information under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.

Also known as Clare’s Law, the scheme was launched in 2014 to enable partners of previously violent individuals to make informed choices on how or whether their relationship continues.

To make an application, visit www.durham.police.uk/rqo/request/ri/request-information/cl/triage/v2/request-information-under-clares-law/