A man has been sentenced for a brutal attack on his wife that left her covered in blood and fearing she was going to die.

James Blundell was sentenced at York Crown Court to 30 months in prison on 24 February 2026. He also received a five-year restraining order.

Following the hearing, Carleen has bravely spoken out about the violence she suffered at his hands – and how she now wants to use her experience to help others in similar situations.

She said: “I am living a completely different life, and I see myself as a survivor, not a victim. My aim now is to support others, and spread the word that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and there are positive outcomes.”

Carleen added: “I have learned from this process that the police are extremely well-versed in these cases, and they are a real lifeline.

“Like so many people, I was frightened to reach out for help – but in the end it was taken out of my hands.”

On Sunday 24 November 2024, Carleen begged James Blundell to call an ambulance after he had assaulted her. Blundell dialled 999 from their home in Goldsborough, near Knaresborough. He told the ambulance service: “It’s my wife, we’ve had an argument, we had a fight, I’ve hurt her, it’s my fault, she’s injured, we need the police and we need an ambulance now.”

North Yorkshire Police officers arrived and saw James Blundell at the front door. Behind him, Carleen was lying in the hallway, covered in blood.

Blundell was arrested at the scene and taken into custody, where he told officers: “There is no excuse for what I have done… I’ve injured someone potentially fatally I have been with for 28 years.”

Carleen told police that they had had an argument, and he had hit her in the face, then struck her on the head twice with an iron boot jack, causing her to fall to the floor and land awkwardly, tearing cartilage in her knee.

Blundell, 54, and now from Southport, was charged with wounding with intent. He pleaded guilty on 21 January this year.

DC Abigail Garford said: “When I first met Carleen, it was clear that she was struggling both mentally and physically after the attack. She hadn’t known life without her abuser for 28 years, and the prospect of rebuilding her life was overwhelming.”

In a personal statement read to the court, Carleen said: “The incident has affected me in many ways. When it happened, I was petrified. I had got used to my husband’s rages and violent episodes over the years, but this was the worst it had ever been. I thought I was going to die. It was the first time I had felt that way. I felt powerless. In the days following the incident I felt disbelief. I was in shock that it had happened.”

After Blundell was arrested, he was given strict bail conditions preventing him from attending Carleen’s home or contacting her in any way. These conditions have remained in force ever since, through to his court appearance.

DC Garford added: “Carleen has worked extremely hard to reconstruct her life. With the help of her sons and medical professionals, and her own grit and determination, she now has a new perspective on life. She feels a sense of freedom, happiness and gratitude. She deserves nothing less.”

• Domestic violence and abuse affects people from all walks of life and in many different ways.
• If you’ve experienced anything like this from a partner, ex-partner or family member, help is available. You’re not to blame for what’s happening. You’re not alone. You can report it to us online. On that page you will find advice on how you can help keep yourself safe during the reporting process. In an emergency, always dial 999.
• If you’re not ready to speak to the police, you can contact support organisations who will help you. You can find a list of national and local support organisations by visiting our support organisations page.