DANIEL CHRISTIAN HOLDEN SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS IN CUMBRIA FOR ATTACK ON WIFE

A man responsible for striking his wife with an ice axe has been sentenced to four years in prison. Daniel Christian Holden, 55, attacked his partner three times during the incident in Keswick, Cumbria, resulting in heavy bleeding and difficulty speaking for his wife. Holden told police he 'actually meant to murder her' and claimed he was 'mentally unwell.' Initially charged with attempted murder, Holden pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court.

The assault took place on 5 July at the couple's guesthouse. Holden contacted emergency services shortly before 07:30 BST, informing a call handler, 'I've attacked my wife. She's very badly injured.' A guest staying at the property had heard raised voices hours before the attack, and a neighbor reported hearing shouting, the court was told.

When police arrived, Holden told the first officer on scene, 'she might drop dead at any second.' As he was taken away, Holden apologized to his wife, saying, 'I'm going to jail. I'm so sorry. I love you.'

The victim recounted that she was called into a bedroom by her husband and sat on a bed before being attacked. She sustained a fractured skull and bruising to her brain but has since recovered and plans to return to work as a therapist.

During the months leading up to the attack, Holden was described as delusional and paranoid, suffering from anxiety linked to undiagnosed health issues. His wife informed police that she was aware of his previous drinking, drug use, and unemployment. She also expressed her desire not to press charges or cause trouble for Holden, preferring he receive professional help.

Judge Nicholas Barker noted that Holden's wife had written him a letter pleading for mercy. Addressing Holden directly, the judge said, 'I do accept, Daniel Holden, that you are deeply remorseful for your actions.' However, he emphasized that the attack was premeditated: 'Within your mental state, there was a premeditation to your actions. This was not an off-the-cuff, spontaneous event.'