Man jailed for double stabbing while hunting wife

Bryan Field has been jailed for 26 years following a trial at Peterborough Crown Court

A "dangerous" man who stabbed two people in an act of "extreme" violence while searching for his estranged wife has been jailed for 26 years.

Hertfordshire Police said Bryan Field, 64, entered an office building near Stevenage in February 2024 and launched an attack on two people with a large kitchen knife.

Field, of Albion Road in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, was convicted of attempted murder, wounding with intent and being in possession of a knife in a public place. He was given an indefinite restraining order banning him from contacting his victims.

Police praised the bravery of the "two innocent members of the public" who were hurt.

Field was found guilty following a two-week trial in March at Peterborough Crown Court.

He has now been given a 26-year sentence for the attempted murder of the man, six years for wounding with intent against the woman and 20 months for possession of a bladed article.

All the sentences are to run concurrently, the court confirmed.

Police said on 11 February 2024, a car belonging to Field's wife was parked near the office at Shangri-La Farm in Todds Green, Stevenage, where she worked.

Assuming she was inside, he entered the building armed with a knife concealed in a black plastic bag.

Officers said she was not inside, but two people were subsequently attacked.

A stab wound to the man's thigh narrowly missed his femoral artery, and Field also attempted to stab him in the neck.

A woman was stabbed in the arm with such force the knife's blade broke off, police added.

Field was arrested shortly afterwards in a car near Luton.

Det Sgt Ian Smith said Field had been "proven to be a dangerous individual".

"Two innocent members of the public were attacked during this appalling incident which saw Field display extreme acts of violence," he said.

"We thank them both for their support and bravery during this investigation.

"Knife crime and violence is not welcome in Hertfordshire, and we will do all we can to bring offenders to justice", he added.