Fury and Tragedy in Wimblington: Man Stabbed 20 Times in Frightening Attack
Lance Woollard, 65, showed chilling intent when he visited Nigel Ebbage, 35, at his home in Honeysuckle Close, Wimblington, on the morning of April 29. Woollard stabbed Ebbage 20 times, leaving his lifeless body at the foot of the stairs.
Brutal Attack Discovered at Lunch
Nigel’s partner came home around noon for lunch and was horrified to find the scene. She immediately called the police. Officers arrested Woollard just over an hour later on the March bypass. Blood stained his hands and the steering wheel. Forensics found one of his fingertips severed at the crime scene.
Motive Linked to Family Dispute Over Children
The court revealed the murder happened just before a hearing was scheduled to discuss contact arrangements involving Woollard’s daughter, Nigel’s ex-partner, and their two children. Nigel had split from Woollard’s daughter back in 2016.
Woollard, from Richmond Avenue, March, pleaded guilty to murder last month and was sentenced today at Cambridge Crown Court by Judge David Farrell.
Detective Inspector Dale Mepstead said: “Lance Woollard knew Nigel was going to be working alone that day and visited with the intention of murdering him.
“It was a frenzied attack. Nigel tried to defend himself, but the wounds to his chest were fatal. His loss has devastated those who loved him. While nothing can heal that grief, I hope today’s justice brings some comfort.”
Dark History Fuels Tragic Outcome
After Nigel and Woollard’s daughter split, there was a fire at her home. Nigel was arrested and charged with arson in 2018 but was acquitted in 2019. Following this, Nigel was granted contact with his children, and the court issued an order banning Woollard from being present during handovers.
The fateful murder came just days before the court hearing to settle future contact arrangements.
Woollard refused to answer questions upon arrest but entered a guilty plea on June 29 at Cambridge Crown Court.
