Husband Receives Two-Year Sentence for Violent Domestic Incidents
A Staffordshire man has been jailed after a series of violent episodes that culminated in him stabbing himself during a confrontation at a holiday rental property. Ian Butterworth, 55, of Axe Edge Green Farm in Flash, was sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court for multiple offenses including strangulation, assault on emergency workers, and possession of a bladed article.
First Violent Episode in April 2025
The court heard that the first incident occurred on April 6, 2025, when Butterworth followed his wife into the bathroom of their home after she discovered him burning photographs of them together. According to prosecutor Emily Andrew, Butterworth placed his hands around his wife's neck and squeezed while stating, "you called the police, you're dead to me."
When police officers arrived at the scene, Butterworth was placed in handcuffs but then attempted to throw himself down the stairs. During the struggle to prevent his fall, one officer was accidentally tripped and another was kicked by the defendant.
Second Confrontation with Holiday Guests
The second violent episode took place on August 12, 2025, at the couple's property which also operates as a holiday let. Butterworth arrived uninvited while two guests were staying at the cottage. He held a knife to his own neck and called his wife derogatory names before chasing her around a dining table and striking her face multiple times.
When the victim managed to break free and shout for help, one of the holiday guests intervened by placing Butterworth in a headlock while the other guest called emergency services. The defendant then began stabbing himself in the chest before fleeing across a field with the knife still in his possession.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
During mitigation, defense counsel Paul Cliff acknowledged that Butterworth had "squeezed lightly with his fingers" during the strangulation incident and did not restrict his wife's breathing. Cliff described his client as "emotionally out of control" following the breakdown of his marriage and noted that alcohol had adversely affected him throughout his life.
Recorder Robert Smith acknowledged that Butterworth had previously been a constructive member of society and showed remorse for his actions. However, the judge emphasized that the defendant's wife and the holiday guests had been "petrified" during the August incident.
Butterworth received a two-year prison sentence for strangulation, two counts of assault on an emergency worker, assault by beating, possession of a bladed article in public, and affray. The court heard that the marriage had broken down in November 2024, with the couple continuing to live together for practical reasons while selling their home.
