Man jailed for ‘horrific’ knife attack on woman

A PUCKLECHURCH man who left a woman with “life-changing injuries” as he tried to kill her has been jailed for 27 years.

Ashley Joyner, aged 56, stabbed the woman “multiple times” at his home in Shortwood Road.

Her injuries were so severe that she now needs to use a wheelchair, has partial hearing loss and says she will never be able to work again.

Joyner was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on November 26, after being found guilty of attempted murder at the end of a four-day trial.

Avon & Somerset police said officers were called to Joyner’s home on the morning of September 11 2023 by an ambulance crew.

He was arrested by police and the 39-year-old woman was taken to hospital.

She had been stabbed six times.

Joyner was taken into custody and interviewed before being charged the following day.

In a statement which was read out in court on her behalf, his victim said: “This incident has changed my life.

“I do not know or understand why this has happened to me.

“I am now very fearful of men and will never trust a man again.

“Due to the incident, it is unlikely I will have full use of my right leg and now have partial hearing in my right ear.

“I will never be able to work again and will have to use a wheelchair to get about.

“What kind of a selfish, manipulating person is he? I cannot call him human, or indeed an animal.”

The judge sentencing Joyner said he had intended to kill the woman – and thought he had succeeded.

Joyner was also sentenced to eight months in prison for an unprovoked attack at a social club in Pucklechurch in July 2023, when he hit a man over the head with a bottle. His sentence for assault causing actual bodily harm will run alongside the attempted murder sentence.

Afterwards the detective in charge of the case, DC Mike Tarling, said: “Joyner’s horrific and violent actions against the victim have had a lasting impact and have forever changed her life.

“She has displayed immense courage and bravery throughout this investigation, and I commend her for how she has carried herself throughout, while recovering from these dreadful injuries inflicted upon her.

“Joyner poses a significant risk to the public and I am pleased that such a dangerous offender will be in prison for many years to come.”