ANDREW FOWLER JAILED FOR 17 YEARS IN DARLINGTON AFTER BRUTAL STABBING AND ARSON ATTEMPT

A man identified as Andrew Fowler from Darlington has been sentenced to 17 years in prison following a violent and sustained attack on his former partner, Anastasia Wade. The incident, which took place on the morning of June 8, 2023, at a residence on Ridsdale Street in Darlington, involved a brutal stabbing that left the victim with approximately 35 stab wounds across her arms, back, and neck. During the assault, Fowler reportedly uttered chilling words: “If I can’t have you, no one can,” indicating a possible motive rooted in possessiveness or anger.

According to reports, Anastasia attempted to escape from the attack by fleeing into the backyard of the property. However, Fowler pursued her and struck her over the head with a brick, further assaulting her as she tried to seek safety. Her desperate cries for help drew the attention of passers-by, who heard her screams from an alleyway behind the house. Recognizing the severity of her injuries, she was quickly transported to a hospital where medical staff provided treatment for her wounds.

Fowler’s arrest followed a tense stand-off with armed police officers. During the confrontation, he attempted to set fire to the house, a desperate act that culminated in him jumping from a first-floor window. The police managed to apprehend him after the incident, and he was subsequently charged with attempted murder. Fowler, aged 35 and residing on Ridsdale Street, admitted to the charges during the police investigation.

He appeared before Teesside Crown Court on December 19, where he pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Anastasia Wade. The court sentenced him to a 17-year prison term, a punishment that reflects the gravity of his actions. Tragically, Anastasia Wade passed away in September of this year at the age of 30. Her death has been deemed non-suspicious, and a coroner’s inquest has been initiated to determine the cause.

Her family, including her daughter and two sisters, Lucy and Georgina, have spoken publicly about her. They described Anastasia as “brave, intelligent, funny and loved by many,” emphasizing her roles as a mother, sister, niece, and friend. In their statement, they expressed profound grief over her loss and the fact that she was denied justice in her lifetime. “Although the crime is attempted murder, it’s important to remember a young life has been lost. At 30 years old, she had the rest of her life ahead of her,” they said. They also conveyed their hope that the sentencing would bring some measure of closure, despite the pain of her absence.

Detective Superintendent Lee Blakelock, who led the police investigation, extended his sympathies to Anastasia’s family and praised her resilience. “This has been an incredibly tragic case for all involved, and I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to Anastasia’s family and friends,” he stated. “Anastasia showed immense strength and courage throughout the police investigation. It is important for her family that we remember her and the person she was, not Fowler who subjected her to such a horrific attack. It is a tragedy that she is not here to see the sentence passed. I hope that the sentencing brings some closure for her family and friends, and that it allows them to begin rebuilding their lives.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, authorities encourage reporting the matter. You can call 101 or dial 999 in emergencies. For those who prefer online reporting, assistance is available through the official online platform at https://tinyurl.com/ycxyx9tm.