Woman stabbed in eye after offering help to stranger in early hours attack
At around 3.15am on Saturday 18 December 2021, chaos erupted in St Mary’s car park when 21-year-old Kai Ridgewell launched a shocking, unprovoked attack.
Victim Stabbed After Offering Help
A young woman, just heading home from a night out with friends, spotted Ridgewell acting erratically and approached him to offer assistance. Without warning, Ridgewell turned and stabbed her in the eye.
She was rushed to hospital but was told the devastating news that she would never regain sight in that eye, despite extensive surgery.
Quick Arrest & Jail Sentence
Police were on the scene swiftly and arrested Ridgewell, who was charged with Section 18 Grievous Bodily Harm and possession of an offensive weapon.
He pleaded guilty at St Albans Crown Court on 14 February and was remanded into custody. On 25 March, Huntingdon Crown Court sentenced him to 11 years in prison.
Detective’s Strong Words
“This was an entirely unprovoked and horrific attack on a young woman who was simply walking home from a night out and had approached Ridgewell to offer help,” said Detective Constable Nathalia Smith.
“She has now been left with life-changing injuries, and sadly will never be able to see out of her eye again. I would like to commend her for the strength and bravery she has shown throughout this whole process.”
“Whilst no sentence can undo the horrific ordeal, I hope this lengthy sentence offers her some justice and closure. Ridgewell will be behind bars for a significant time and must use it to reflect on his actions.”
“Everyone should be able to enjoy a night out and get home safe. Ridgewell’s behaviour was utterly deplorable, and violence like this will not be tolerated in Hertfordshire.”
“This investigation was thorough, involving hours of CCTV analysis and witness tracking. Let this be a warning to criminals – we will find you, remove you from our streets, and bring you to justice, especially those carrying weapons.”
