Durham, UK – A harrowing scene unfolded earlier this year when David Fletcher, 62, launched a brutal knife attack on a woman, only to be thwarted by the courageous intervention of another female passerby. The incident, which took place between two buildings off Churchill Square, Gilesgate, was detailed in a recent court hearing at Teesside Crown Court where Fletcher faced charges stemming from the assault.
According to court proceedings, Fletcher confronted the victim, with whom he had a tumultuous one-year relationship following a longer period of acquaintance, shortly after she disembarked from a bus. He accused her of infidelity which precipitated the violent outburst. Prosecutor Paul Abrahams described how Fletcher dragged the woman to a secluded spot near a charity building and began his attack, initially leading her to believe she was being punched until she saw the knife.
The victim’s screams attracted the attention of another woman nearby, who heroically intervened in an attempt to stop Fletcher. Despite being injured in the process, she successfully disarmed him. The altercation resulted in significant injuries to her hands as Fletcher aggressively swung the knife.
In her impact statement, the primary victim conveyed the profound effects of the attack on her mental health and overall trust, indicating a sharp decline in her social interactions and psychological well-being. She described becoming a “shell of her former self,” overwhelmed by constant anxiety and mistrust even among close friends.
Legal representatives revealed that Fletcher had a history of 11 prior convictions, including one incident of dangerous driving aimed at the same victim and other charges related to violent behavior towards her. During the trial, defense lawyer Vic Laffey depicted the relationship between Fletcher and the victim as “bizarre” and acknowledged the gravity of Fletcher’s actions, noting his client’s acceptance of a significant prison sentence.
Fletcher pled guilty to attempted murder, possession of a bladed article, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. In addressing the court, Judge Francis Laird KC highlighted the initially non-romantic origins of Fletcher’s relationship with the victim, who was known to him through her sex work. The judge commended the woman who intervened for her bravery and stated that her actions likely prevented an even more tragic outcome.
Ultimately, Fletcher was sentenced to 17 years in custody with an additional four-year extended license, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the potential risk he posed to public safety. The community and court alike praised the brave woman who stepped in to halt the attack, recognizing her critical role in averting a potential fatality that day in Durham.