Man guilty of attempted murder of ex-partner in village near Chelmsford
He ambushed the woman late at night and then attacked her with a hatchet
A man who ambushed his ex-partner outside of her home in a village near Chelmsford, before attacking her with a hatchet has been convicted of attempted murder.
41 year old David Richards, of no fixed address, carried out the attack in the village of Stock in April this year.
He waited outside his victims home for her to let her dogs out. He the dragged her inside the building, tied her up and attacked her with a hatchet.
When Richards stepped outside to try to find the woman's phone, she managed to free herself, get to her children and call for help - she also managed to lock her attacker outside.
Despite being locked out, Richards continued to try to force entry to the property. He later drove away in his car and was arrested after driving at speeds of over 90mph in an attempt to get away.
His victim suffered life changing injuries and spent several days recovering in hospital.
Essex Police investigating officer DC Jenny Clarke said:
“Everyone who has worked on this case has collected every scrap of evidence and testimony we could to convince the jury of Richards intent that night.
“He waited behind the woman’s house armed with a dangerous weapon, dressed in waterproof clothing and chose to attack her in the middle of the night when she was most vulnerable.
“He didn’t even care that young children were alone inside the house and could have found their mum the next morning.
“People like Richards are a danger to our communities and we will do everything we can to stop them.
"The woman has been left feeling unsafe on her own up until this guilty verdict and should be commended for her bravery not only after the incident but throughout the investigation and giving vital evidence at court.
“We would also like to commend the support network of friends and family she had behind her throughout this incredibly difficult time.”
Richards will be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on December 21.