Former councillor jailed for attempting to murder his wife in Bridgend

A former Bridgend town Councillor has been jailed for 18 years for the attempted murder of his wife.

Darren Brown, 35, was separated from his wife Corrine Brown but remained living in the same property in the Wildmill area of Bridgend.

Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court was told that on the 10th July 2023 they were arguing when Darren Brown went downstairs and took a knife from the kitchen.

He returned upstairs and whilst his wife was trying to settle the baby down, he stabbed her twice in the back. The victim managed to get to the bathroom and lock the door but Darren Brown kicked the door so hard it came off its hinges.

The victim was then stabbed a third time to the back before Darren Brown left the property and drove off.

Initially, Darren Brown said it was his wife who had the knife and he tried to take it off her, during which she was injured.

He later pleaded guilty to wounding with intent but denied attempted murder. However, he was convicted of the offence following trial, after the jury had heard all the evidence.

The attack happened just days after Mrs Brown had been to see a man she'd met on social media in Southend-on-Sea.

Hannah West from the Crown Prosecution Service said:

“This was a shocking and violent attack.

“Darren Brown deliberately obtained the knife and brought it upstairs with him, using it when the victim was at her most vulnerable.

“Any one of the wounds could have been fatal and the evidence we presented to the jury demonstrated Brown’s intention was to kill his wife.

“It is difficult to imagine how terrifying this must have been for the victim. Our thoughts remain with her and we hope she can take comfort from knowing her husband has been brought to justice for this appalling attack.”

Senior Investigating Officer at South Wales Police, Detective Inspector Owain Morrison, said:

“This was a sustained attack which sought to take the life of Corrine Brown. The audio recording proved crucial evidence in the case as it corroborated the victim’s account and a number of key facts that she had mentioned during her interview could be heard on the recording, including the suspect kicking the bathroom door through after the victim had sought refuge there.

“Today’s sentencing shows that we, as a force, will relentlessly pursue those who perpetrate violence against women and girls and bring them to justice.”

Darren Brown was also given an indefinite restraining order to protect his victim.

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