A Sunbury man has been jailed for 27 years after launching a brutal knife attack on his partner as she slept, leaving her with life-changing injuries and permanent facial nerve damage.

Richard Flower, 39, attacked the woman in the early hours of 25 August 2024, stabbing her twice in the head before inflicting further wounds to her hand and arm as she tried to defend herself.

The victim, who had been in a long-term relationship with Flower, said in her police statement:

“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.”

Guildford Crown Court heard that Flower’s mental health had deteriorated and he had become convinced his partner was cheating on him. On the night of the attack, after hours of interrogating her, he followed her into the living room, armed himself with a knife, and struck without warning.

The victim described how she initially thought she had been punched, only realising the severity of her injuries when she tried to stand and discovered she had been stabbed.

Flower was convicted of attempted murder and today was sentenced to 23 years in prison with a further four years on extended licence under dangerous offender provisions.

Detective Sergeant Ali Bagshaw, Deputy Senior Investigating Officer, praised the courage of the victim and the work of the investigation team:

“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.
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, who continues to live with both mental and physical scars, said:

“No amount of prison time will make up for what he has done. 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.”