Neighbour Stabbed in Brutal Attack Outside Home
Shelley Bowen, 36, has been jailed for four years after a horrific stabbing spree on her ex-neighbour Felicity Symes in Bridgend. The vicious assault left Symes with life-threatening injuries, including a punctured lung and a finger nearly severed from her hand.
Attack Sparks Chaos on September 4
The shocking attack unfolded on September 4 when Bowen repeatedly stabbed Symes outside her residence. Prosecutor Owen Williams told Cardiff Crown Court how Symes suffered deep cuts to her hand, arm, and chest. The victim only realised the seriousness of her wounds when she noticed her finger hanging off.
Paramedics rushed Symes to the University Hospital of Wales for emergency treatment.
Attacker Caught After Fleeing Scene
Bowen fled the scene but was quickly tracked down at her mum’s home in Aberkenfig. She admitted assaulting Symes but bizarrely claimed she only meant to puncture the victim’s car tyres, not cause physical harm.
Victim Speaks Out on Trauma
“I have constant nightmares and fear for my safety every day,” Symes revealed in a victim impact statement. “I cannot drive or even go outside without feeling terrified.”
Defence Cites Mental Health Struggles
Bowen’s lawyer Julia Cox explained her client battles borderline personality disorder and drug addiction. Cox painted a picture of a woman grappling with family woes, including limited contact with her children and her mother’s cancer diagnosis, which worsened her mental health.
But Judge Lucy Crowther was unswayed, slapping Bowen with a four-year prison sentence and a four-year driving ban. The judge stressed the severity of the attack and the lasting impact on Symes’ life.
