Hereford Woman Handed 12 Year Prison Sentence.

[Hereford Voice]

Samantha Smith who is 56 years-old, of Waterfield Road in Hereford and who pleaded guilty to a single charge of attempted murder at Worcester Crown Court on Thursday 1 December has today (Friday 24 February) been sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Smith’s conviction relates to an incident in Rothesay Mead, Hereford on Sunday 3 July 2022 for which she was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Smith had attacked a 59-year-old man with a knife leaving him with significant injuries.

The investigating officer, Detective Constable Emma O’Hare said: “This brutal attack could have very easily have meant this was a sentencing from a murder trial. Fortunately, the victim was strong enough to work with us in preparing the case and I’m happy to report he continues to make a good, physical recovery.

“This case is a reminder that domestic abuse isn’t isolated to women victims. Many men are in abusive, coercive, controlling, and violent relationships and quite often, they keep their abuse to themselves.

“I want to reassure any victim of domestic abuse that we are here for you. Regardless of your gender, we will listen, we will investigate every report and we will support you.

“I want to thank the survivor of this terrible ordeal for their trust in police, their courage and their openness. My only hope is that they can now perhaps close one chapter of this book and start to rebuild their life.”

West Mercia Police will act on all reports made and offer our full support to anyone who feels they are a victim of domestic abuse.