A Bath man has been jailed for 12 years after launching a frenzied knife attack on a woman he briefly dated, leaving her with life-threatening injuries and long-term trauma.
Savage Assault in Southdown Lane
Matthew Jones, 29, of Ivy Avenue, Southdown, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday 9 May after pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent. The court heard how he attacked Emma Kirk, 25, in a secluded lane off Dransfield Way on 26 February 2024, stabbing her more than 15 times in the head, neck, abdomen, and hands.
The pair had met at university and briefly dated. When Kirk told Jones she wanted to remain friends, he reacted aggressively, demanding she return gifts and convincing her to meet him. Once alone, he launched the savage attack at 4:20pm. Several members of the public intervened, restraining him until police arrived — an act doctors say saved her life.
Life-Threatening Injuries
Kirk sustained two punctured lungs, deep nerve damage, and lost significant blood. Surgeons at Royal United Hospitals Bath said the knife narrowly missed a major artery. She was placed in a medically induced coma and couldn’t speak to police for 10 days.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Initially claiming self-defence, Jones later admitted to causing serious harm but denied trying to kill her. He was cleared of attempted murder and possession of a knife but pleaded guilty to GBH with intent. Judge Julian Lambert described the crime as “brutal and merciless” and imposed a 16-year extended sentence — 12 years in prison and four years on licence.
Jones must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole.
“This was an unpredictable and vicious assault. Despite attempts at rehabilitation, the risk you pose remains high,” said Judge Lambert.
Victim Statement: “I Thought I Was Going to Die”
In a harrowing statement read to the court, Emma Kirk said the incident had “destroyed her independence” and left her with ongoing nerve damage and psychological trauma.
“I thought I was going to die,” she said. “I’ve had to move back home and rely on my parents for care.”
Her father, John Kirk, described the family’s devastation:
“We watched bodycam footage of our daughter covered in blood. It’s something we’ll never forget. We’re forever thankful to the strangers who stepped in to save her.”
Public Reaction and Knife Crime Context
The case has ignited debate online, with social media users expressing shock over the attempted murder acquittal and praising the intervention of bystanders. Community groups in Bath called for tougher knife crime legislation, citing rising concerns over public safety.
According to Office for National Statistics, knife crime in England rose by 7% in 2024. Charities like the Ben Kinsella Trust and Refuge have called for more preventative education and early intervention in domestic abuse cases.
Moving Forward
Despite the physical and emotional toll, Emma Kirk continues to recover, supported by family and Victim Support services. The case has become a stark reminder of the real-world impact of knife crime, reinforcing calls for systemic change, greater outreach, and community awareness.
