In a harrowing incident that underscores the alarming prevalence of domestic violence, Darren Brown, a 35-year-old former councillor, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for the attempted murder of his wife, Corinne Brown. This brutal act occurred in their home located in Wildmill, Bridgend, on July 10 of the previous year while Corinne was engaged in soothing their infant child. The courtroom was filled with tension during the proceedings as the chilling details of the attack were revealed.
The jury found Darren Brown guilty of attempted murder after he inflicted three stab wounds on Corinne, leading to a conviction that captured widespread attention and concern. At the time of the attack, he was an independent member of the Bridgend Town Council, a role he resigned shortly after the incident. The ruling judge characterized the attack as a “brutal, sustained attack with a knife,” emphasizing the severity of Brown’s actions during the trial.
The couple was reportedly separated at the time of the attack but continued to live together in the same household. Tensions had escalated between the pair, primarily stemming from Corinne expressing that she had “fallen out of love” with Darren. This emotional contention led to an argument that ultimately disturbed their sleeping baby. When Corinne attempted to comfort the child, Darren took that moment to stab her in the back. The trauma of the event has left deep physical and psychological scars on Corinne, as she recounted in her victim impact statement, expressing the haunting memories of the attack and the pain she continues to feel.
Judge Jeremy Jenkins, in delivering the sentence, noted the alarming behavior displayed by Darren after the couple’s separation. He described Brown as becoming increasingly withdrawn, jealous, and controlling, suggesting that his negative emotions were aggravated by the presence of Corinne’s new partner in her life. The atmosphere in their home became toxic, culminating in the deadly attack. The judge specifically pointed to the terrifying aspects of the scenario, including how Corinne’s pleas for mercy were disregarded while she was vulnerable, attempting to tend to their child.
Further detailed in the victim’s statement was the anxiety surrounding her children, who fortunately did not witness the violence but would ultimately have to learn about it. Corinne expressed gratitude that her young children were spared from the horrifying sights of that night, although she acknowledged the difficult conversations that lay ahead when they are older.
Darren fled the scene, abandoning Corinne on the floor in the bathroom, where she was left to suffer a potentially fatal series of injuries. Judge Jenkins articulated how cowardly it was for him to inflict harm in such a manner, especially when Corinne was in no position to protect herself. Emphasizing the malicious intent, the judge noted that the design of the attack made it evident that Brown intended to kill his wife.
Alongside the prison sentence, an indefinite restraining order was issued, ensuring that Darren Brown could not contact Corinne or approach any locations where she might be staying. This legal protection aims to safeguard her from any further potential threats to her safety.
Detective Inspector Owain Morrison from South Wales Police highlighted the importance of audio evidence collected during the incident, which corroborated Corinne’s account and provided key insights into the attack. This successful conviction reflects the determination of law enforcement to pursue justice for victims of domestic violence, thereby reiterating the commitment to holding perpetrators accountable.
Hannah West from the Crown Prosecution Service echoed this sentiment, stressing that the severity of Darren Brown’s actions warranted the significant sentence imposed. The hope is that Corinne can find comfort in the knowledge that justice has been served, despite the profound impact that this tragic event has left on her life and the lives of her children. This case serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for societal change regarding domestic violence and the protection of victims.
