A PUCKLECHURCH man who stabbed a woman in his home, leaving her with “life-changing injuries”, has been jailed for 27 years.
Ashley Joyner, aged 56, stabbed the woman “multiple times” in September last year.
Her injuries were so severe that she now needs to use a wheelchair, has partial hearing loss and says she will never be able to work again.
Joyner, of Shortwood Road, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday after being found guilty of attempted murder at the end of a four-day trial.
Avon & Somerset police said officers were called Joyner’s home on the morning of September 11 last year by an ambulance crew.
He was arrested by police and the 39-year-old woman was taken to hospital.
She had been stabbed six times.
Joyner was taken into custody and interviewed before he was later charged the following day on Tuesday 12 September.
‘I cannot call him human’ – victim speaks out
In a statement which was read out in court on her behalf, she said: “This incident has changed my life.
“I do not know or understand why this has happened to me.
“I am now very fearful of men and will never trust a man again.
“Due to the incident, it is unlikely I will have full use of my right leg and now have partial hearing in my right ear. I will never be able to work again and will have to use a wheelchair to get about.
“What kind of a selfish, manipulating person is he? I cannot call him human, or indeed an animal.”
Police said the judge sentencing Joyner said he had intended to kill the woman – and thought he had succeeded.
Joyner was also sentenced to eight months in prison in relation to an unprovoked attack at a social club in Pucklechurch in July last year, where he had hit a man over the head with a bottle.
The sentence for assault causing actual bodily harm will run alongside the attempted murder sentence.
‘Significant risk to public’ – police
Afterwards the detective in charge of the case, DC Mike Tarling, said: “Joyner’s horrific and violent actions against the victim have had a lasting impact and have forever changed her life.
“She has displayed immense courage and bravery throughout this investigation and I commend her for how she has carried herself throughout, while recovering from these dreadful injuries inflicted upon her.
“Joyner poses a significant risk to the public and I am pleased that such a dangerous offender will be in prison for many years to come.”