Husband attacked wife with meat cleaver to ‘shut her up’ after taking joke badly

He struck her on the head with the large blade while telling her: “I’ll kill ya, I’ve got a life sentence in me”
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A husband who attacked his wife with a meat cleaver to “shut her up” in a terrifying domestic attack has been jailed for 15 years.

Graham Pearson, of Wybourn House Road, Sheffield, headbutted his petrified partner and struck her on the head with the large blade while telling her: "I’ll kill ya, I’ve got a life sentence in me."

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The horrific attack happened after someone had made a joke at his expense leaving his in a “bad mood”, police said.

The 64-year-old has been jailed for 15 years after leaving the victim bleeding heavily from two deep cuts to her head and further injuries to her hands which required stitches, the Yorkshire Post reports.

‘An utterly horrific attack’

Graham PearsonGraham Pearson
Graham Pearson

PC Rachel Waddington from South Yorkshire Police said: "This was an utterly horrific attack and left the victim believing she was going to die.

"This horrendous ordeal came about because the defendant was in a bad mood after someone had made a joke at his expense during a family visit earlier in the day.

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“After returning home, Pearson’s wife tried to engage with him and rather than talking about what happened he went straight to the kitchen drawer for the meat cleaver."

The victim was eventually able to escape outside and dial 999.

On officers’ attendance, Pearson was immediately detained.

In an interview, when asked why he attacked his wife, he said: "To shut her up."

‘A sobering reminder of the abuse that some people may be suffering’

Detective Inspector Stephanie Phoenix from the Domestic Abuse Unit added: "I am satisfied that this violent domestic abuser is now behind bars and would like to commend the victim for her courage and dignity following the dreadful and escalating abuse she suffered over many traumatising years.

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"This case is also a sobering reminder of the abuse that some people may be suffering at the hands of their partners behind closed doors.

"To anyone who is living in fear of a partner or spouse, we can help you. Report it to us - we will take immediate action, keep you safe and ensure you get the support you need."

  • If you’re a victim of domestic abuse, you can contact Refuge’s 24-hour helpline for free on 0808 2000 247

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