A man has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for stabbing his partner multiple times after she discovered him in bed with another man. Ryan Leggett, 35, attacked the woman with a knife, inflicting wounds on her neck and chest, as well as causing damage to her lungs and liver. The incident occurred when Leggett’s partner returned home unexpectedly and found him naked in bed with another man and cocaine on a plate.
Judge Martyn Levett stated that Leggett’s actions showed his unpredictability and propensity for violence, especially when under the influence of drugs. Leggett was also given an extended license period of three years after his release. The judge emphasized that Leggett would have to serve a significant portion of his sentence before being considered for parole and issued an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim or her family.
The court heard that Leggett left the victim with life-threatening injuries, including eight stab wounds, two of which were to her chest causing a fractured rib and a punctured lung. She also sustained injuries to her cheek, neck, arm, hand, and abdomen, leading to internal bleeding and liver damage.
Leggett, from Carlton Colville, denied attempted murder but was convicted by a jury. The victim, who had been in a relationship with Leggett for around four years, described the traumatic event where Leggett attacked her after she confronted him about the situation in the bedroom.
After the assault, Leggett fled the scene but was later apprehended at his father’s residence. The victim shared in court that the incident had left her with post-traumatic stress disorder and ongoing nightmares, affecting her life and forcing her to relocate due to fear of Leggett.
