[A] husband who attacked his wife with two meat cleavers, leaving her with serious and life-changing injuries, has been made subject of an indefinite hospital order.
Peter Horbury, 80, of New Road, Kirkby Lonsdale, had been charged with attempted murder but was found to be unfit to stand trial. On Monday, (14 May) he was made subject of the order by Preston Crown Court.
The court heard how Horbury attacked his wife in their family home, armed with two meat cleavers in October 2017. This sustained and lengthy attack left the victim with around 30 wounds to the head and face, as well as multiple and serious wounds to her arms, legs and chest.
Following the attack, he left the address and, covered in blood and still carrying the two meat cleavers, he flagged down a passing motorist, telling him: “Excuse me. Can you help me? I’ve murdered my wife.”
The motorist, along with a second passing motorist, walked Horbury back to his home address before convincing him to put down the cleavers.
In making the order, the judge commended the members of the public – Hamish Keltie and Mark Pye – who detained Horbury until the police arrived, praised the officers who first attended the scene for the way they had taken control, ensured the safety of all and facilitated the emergency treatment of Mrs Horbury. The judge also praised the medical professionals for the extremely efficient and professional way they had acted which had undoubtedly saved Mrs Horbury’s life.
Detective Superintendent Vicki Ellis said: “Peter Horbury carried out a vicious, brutal and prolonged attack on his wife, which left her with horrific injuries, some of the worst I have seen and some which she will never recover from.
“Our thoughts today are with Mrs Horbury and her family, and hope her journey of recovery and rehabilitation continues. Mrs Horbury will have to live with the consequences of her husband’s actions for the rest of her life.”
