David Richards, 42, homeless and on the run, has been sentenced to 27 years in prison following a brutal axe attack on his ex-girlfriend, Alex Alam. The chilling assault took place outside her home one night in April, resulting in life-changing injuries for Alex.
Richards dragged Alex into a neighbouring building on her property, tied her up, and attacked her with a hatchet. Miraculously, Alex managed to free herself, lock her door, and call for help. Richards then attempted to break back in before fleeing the scene in his car.
Essex Police officers soon caught up with Richards near Ipswich after a high-speed chase during which he recklessly sped over 90 mph. Although Richards denied the charges, a jury at Chelmsford Crown Court found him guilty of attempted murder after just three hours of deliberation.
On January 12th, Richards was sentenced to 27 years in prison as a dangerous offender and must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence behind bars. A permanent restraining order has been put in place to protect Alex and her family from him.
Alex’s support network stated: “While justice has been served, it is far from over. Alex is still coming to terms with what happened on April 3rd last year. She thanks Next Chapter charity, Essex Police officers Jenny Clarke and Tom Bassett, her barrister William Carter, Basildon Hospital staff, and her friends and family for their support. She asks the media to respect her privacy as she rebuilds her life.”
Detective Jenny Clarke from Essex Police’s Domestic Abuse Investigation Team praised Alex’s bravery, saying: “Alex’s determination and dignity throughout this ordeal have been remarkable. She has supported her children while helping us bring Richards to justice. He believed he could get away with this, but now he’s right where he belongs.”
This harrowing case highlights the brutal reality of domestic abuse and the strength victims show in fighting back. Alex’s courage has ensured that a violent attacker will no longer terrorise her or her family.
Originally published by UKNIP.
