SOUTH SHIELDS LECTURER JAILED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER AFTER KNIFE ATTACK
A former college lecturer from South Shields who attempted to murder his partner in a violent knife attack when she declared their relationship was over has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.The court was told that Steven Corner, aged 54, repeatedly stabbed the woman following an altercation on January 19, during which he told her, "I'm not going to let you go." The victim, aged 51, had been in a relationship with Corner for four years and they lived together in South Shields.
She recounted that their relationship was harmonious until Corner lost his job about a year prior, which led to increased anxiety and excessive drinking.
After two incidents of him manhandling her in December 2023, Corner stayed in a residential alcohol rehabilitation facility before returning home with a commitment to abstain from alcohol.
However, after receiving a letter about a driving offence, he became anxious and started drinking again, which escalated tensions.
On the day of the attack, Corner was found drinking and had a fire in the kitchen which the victim put out.
Later, she found him leaning into a cupboard where knives were kept.
Corner then took out an eight-inch-bladed knife, told her, "I'm not going to let you go," and chased her outside when she attempted to call for help.
He pursued her and inflicted multiple stab wounds—at least seven—on her back, arms, chest, and side, resulting in fractures and punctures.
A neighbour intervened, grabbing Corner and warning him that police were being called.
Corner, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to attempted murder and possessing a bladed article.
He expressed remorse and was noted to have mental health issues.
He also served in the Royal Marine reserves and has worked as a college lecturer.
The victim described feeling physically and emotionally scarred, stating, "I feel like he wanted to kill me.
If she (the neighbour) had not come around the corner I would not be here now." She expressed her belief that Corner intended to follow her upstairs with the knife.
She added, "I genuinely believe if I was not able to fight back as I did and my neighbour didn't hear my screams for help I would be dead.
I genuinely think he was trying to kill me." The court was told that Corner was remorseful and suffering mental health problems.
Corner was sentenced to 20 years in prison for attempted murder and possessing a bladed article.
