'If I can't have you, no-one can' stabber jailed

A man who stabbed his ex-partner while telling her "if I can't have you, no-one can" has been jailed.

Andrew Fowler, 35, of Ridsdale Street, Darlington, was sentenced to 17 years for attempted murder, following an attack on Anastasia Wade in June 2023.

Ms Wade, 30, died in September this year. Her death was not being treated as suspicious, Durham Police said.

Her family said she was "brave, intelligent, funny and loved by many".

Ms Wade had a daughter and two sisters, Lucy and Georgina, who said they were "devastated".

A family statement read: "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."

Durham Police said Fowler stabbed Ms Wade about 35 times on her arms, back and neck, after she told him she did not want to be with him anymore.

The attack happened at a house on Ridsdale Street, Darlington, on 8 June 2023.

Ms Wade fled from the backyard into an alleyway behind the property, where she screamed for help from passers-by, officers said.

Fowler was sentenced at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday.

Det Supt Lee Blakelock said Ms Wade 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," he said.

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