A convicted murderer, Nicholas Fryers, 57, has been sentenced to life imprisonment following a horrific attack where he stabbed a 24-year-old woman over 70 times with a screwdriver. The violent assault occurred in Dartford while Fryers was on day release from prison, working at a Sainsbury’s distribution centre.
Fryers, who was previously convicted of murder in Wales in 1993, had been working at the Sainsbury’s site for about two months when he became infatuated with a female employee. He reportedly bought her gifts and sent her numerous text messages, which she found increasingly disturbing.
The incident escalated on the evening of April 9, 2023, when the young woman told Fryers that she wanted to end their friendship. According to court documents, Fryers lured her to his car under the pretext of collecting her belongings before launching a frenzied attack, stabbing her repeatedly in the head, chest, and back.
As the attack unfolded, two co-workers intervened, attempting to stop the assault in the parking lot. Despite their efforts, Fryers managed to escape in his vehicle. However, one of the witnesses swiftly removed the car’s registration plate, which later aided the police in tracing Fryers as he fled Kent.
The victim managed to escape and received first aid on the scene before being rushed to the hospital with severe injuries.
Fryers was apprehended hours later, around 3:15 AM on April 10, near Preston, Lancashire, by the police, who used the car registration information provided by the quick-thinking co-workers. He was subsequently charged and has now been convicted of the attack.
The sentencing judge described the assault as “unprovoked, savage, and premeditated,” underscoring that Fryers posed an ongoing threat to the public. In addition to the life sentence, the court imposed stringent conditions, ensuring Fryers would not be eligible for parole for a considerable period.
The case has raised significant concerns regarding the policies surrounding prisoner day releases, particularly involving individuals convicted of violent crimes. This incident has prompted local authorities to review these policies to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The local community and the victim’s family expressed relief at the swift justice delivered, though the trauma of the event continues to resonate deeply. Fryers’ life sentence brings some closure to the case, but the conversation about day-release programs and their supervision remains ongoing.
