A grandmother from Great Barr has been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison for stabbing her son-in-law in the neck after he ended his relationship with her daughter. Linda Clifford, 61, pulled a three-to-four inch bladed knife from her coat pocket and lunged at Richard Evans as he stood on his doorstep on December 28 last year.
Attack Details
The incident occurred around 9pm less than a mile from Clifford's home. After the initial stabbing, she chased Evans around the driveway before smashing his van windscreen with a claw hammer. The court heard that Clifford had not taken the news of her daughter's breakup well. Evans suffered a 1.5cm puncture wound that required cleaning and suturing.
Legal Proceedings
Clifford was originally charged with attempted murder but pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, criminal damage, and possession of a knife in a public place. She told police the attack was intended to 'punish' Evans over money she claimed he owed.
In a letter read to Birmingham Crown Court, Clifford wrote: 'I will never forgive myself for the harm I have caused to Richard, the shame I have brought to my family and the upset I have caused to everyone.' She added that Evans had been 'like a son' to her for over 16 years.
Judge's Remarks
Judge Andrew Smith KC described the attack as 'carried out in anger' and based on revenge. He noted that Evans was 'fortunate to not sustain a more serious injury'. The judge sentenced Clifford to three years and nine months in prison, reflecting the severity of the offense.
