Abuser who stabbed partner given 18 year sentence

A 'violent' and 'unpredictable' domestic abuser has been jailed after trying to kill his former partner.

Nathaniel Downer, 41, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty at Bristol Crown Court to attempted murder against his former partner and two counts of grievous bodily harm against two other people.

Mr Downer was sentenced to 18 years in prison on Tuesday with a further four on license and a restraining order protecting the three victims upon his release.

"[Downer] destroyed all of our lives and I will never, ever in my life forgive him for what he has done to us" said his former partner in a victim personal statement.

"I find it hard to even begin to put into words, the significant impact this incident has had on me" she added.

"He made my life unbearable living hell and, because of him, I am now constantly looking over my shoulder, feeling jumpy and wondering if someone is going to attack me.

The court heard Downer had been living with his partner and had become fixated on accusing her of taking a winning lottery ticket more than a year before - which led to arguing and then physical abuse.

Officers from Avon and Somerset Police were called to a property in South Bristol on Tuesday November 21, 2023, after Downer stabbed the victim with a knife four times as well as two others who tried to prevent him.

One of the victims sustained five stab wounds and the third victim sustained one.

All three were able to escape and seek first aid.

"Downer gave police a fictitious and elaborate story" said Investigating officer, DC Claire House.

"He said he didn't cause these horrific injuries, that a group of men entered the address and attacked the victims, all while he hid in another room in fear for his own life.

"It was only when it came to trial day, when a crucial piece of evidence gave him no choice but to plead guilty to his crimes and accept responsibility for his actions."