RYDE MAN JAILED FOR BRUTAL ATTACK ON HIS BLIND WIFE WITH MEAT CLEAVER
Jonathan Eldridge, 42 years old from Ryde on the Isle of Wight, received a nine-year prison term following an assault on his wife Victoria, who is legally blind and suffers from epilepsy, using a meat cleaver.The assault took place on Christmas Eve in 2021 when Eldridge, who was intoxicated, stated he lost control after returning home and seeing his Xbox and television knocked over by his wife.
He told police that anger overwhelmed him, leading him to strike her on the head, causing a 10cm injury.
Prosecutor Ollie Wellings noted during court that the couple had been together for 12 years, with Eldridge acting as her carer.
It was also disclosed that Eldridge had been hospitalized earlier that day following an overdose, and their relationship was reportedly worsening at the time of the attack.
In a 999 call to police, Eldridge admitted to hitting his wife with the meat cleaver and expressed concern that he might have killed her, stating: "I have hit my wife in the head with a meat cleaver.
Victoria, wake up.
I think I have killed her." Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Mrs.
Eldridge unresponsive on the sofa with significant bleeding.
She later provided a victim impact statement, describing her confusion and suffering, and questioning why her husband would direct such violence towards her after a long marriage.
The judge characterized the assault as "brutal," emphasizing that her life was only spared by luck.
Additionally, Eldridge was subject to a restraining order preventing any contact with his wife.
The court convicted him of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, resulting in a nine-year prison sentence.
