A 39-year-old man has been handed a life sentence for brutally stabbing his 77-year-old grandmother-in-law more than 100 times in a horrific Christmas Eve attack.
Adam David Wright launched the savage assault at June Henty’s Wickham home at around 8am on December 23, 2023. The pensioner battled for her life in intensive care for six months but tragically died from her wounds in June 2024.
Victim Identifies Attacker Before Passing Away
Despite suffering severe head and neck injuries and massive blood loss, Mrs Henty managed to name Wright to police before slipping into a coma. Her brave statement led to his immediate arrest the same day.
Wright was initially charged with attempted murder, but this was upgraded to murder following her death. Today at Portsmouth Crown Court, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 24 years.
Family Devastated: “Our Heart Is Broken”
“Our beautiful mum June was brutally taken from us, and as a family we are heartbroken,” the family said.
“She was a kind and loving lady who always put her family first. She was our world, and we were hers. We have lost the heart of our family and feel utterly broken without her.”
Police and Prosecutors Condemn ‘Senseless’ Attack
Detective Inspector Tim Judd praised Mrs Henty’s courage: “Thanks to her, we identified Adam Wright as her attacker. No sentence will bring June back, but I hope seeing Wright behind bars offers some closure.”
Prosecutor Desmond Duffy labelled the stabbing “truly horrific and senseless,” slamming Wright’s drug and alcohol use the night before as no excuse for the brutal crime.
Christmas Eve Horror Ends in Justice
The savage attack happened just two days before Christmas after Mrs Henty refused to hand over cash to Wright. The judge confirmed he must serve at least 24 years before parole consideration, guaranteeing a lengthy prison stretch.
This chilling case has shaken Hampshire, exposing the hidden dangers of family violence and the heavy toll it takes.
