These are the words of a woman left with life-changing injuries after her partner attempted to kill her.

Almost a year ago, on 25 August 2024, Richard Flower, (23/01/1986), attacked his partner with a knife while she slept on the sofa. Initially, she thought he might have punched her, and it was only when trying to stand that she realised she had been stabbed twice in the head. Flower attacked her again and the victim put up her arm to defend herself, causing further injuries to her hand and arm.

The victim had been in a long-term relationship with Flower but following a deterioration in his mental health he became convinced she was cheating on him.

In the early hours of Sunday, 25 August he accosted her on the way back from the bathroom, convinced she had been cheating on him in the short time she had been gone. After hours of interrogation, she went into the living room to try and get some rest. Flower followed, armed himself with a knife, and attacked her when she had no opportunity to see him coming or defend herself.

The victim survived Flower’s vicious attack, but said in her initial statement to police, “The injury to my jaw line, where the weapon has made impact with the main nerve which affects my ability to smile, may never be repairable and I have been advised I may never be able to smile again properly.”

At Guildford Crown Court today (15 August) Flower, 39, of Sunbury, was given a 27-year sentence – this will consist of a 23-year jail sentence with a further four years on extended licence under the dangerous offender provisions.

Deputy Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Ali Bagshaw said, “I would like to pay tribute to investigating officer DC Watson and the rest of the team who worked tirelessly to deliver justice for the victim and hold the defendant to account.

“Most of all I would like to express my utmost admiration for the victim of this horrific crime, who has shown herself to be exceptionally strong throughout this ordeal and beyond, both for herself and those who depend on her.

“I hope this case will serve to remind others that Surrey Police will always take reports of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls seriously and will do everything we can to support survivors and bring offenders to justice.”

The victim said, “The mental and physical scars that Richard has left behind will be there for ever and no amount of prison time will make up for what he has done, whether he says he meant to or not is immaterial.

“What is done is done and I hope that someday he realises the magnitude of the damage that he caused.

“The police often receive negative press, but in a real emergency, they’re exactly who you want on your side.  From the very beginning, Surrey Police were compassionate, professional, and incredibly supportive. Their help and reassurance during a difficult time made a real difference, and I am truly grateful”.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, there are various support services and organisations who can assist you: https://www.surrey.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/support-organisations/

You can report domestic abuse to police via our website: https://www.surrey.police.uk/ro/report/domestic-abuse/a1/report-domestic-abuse/

In an emergency, always call 999.