Former Bridgend town councillor Darren Brown was sentenced to 18 years in jail at a sentencing hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court. Brown wept in the dock as he learned his fate for stabbing his then-wife, Corinne Brown, three times in the back with a knife taken from the kitchen in a fit of jealousy and rage. The incident took place in their family home in Wildmill, Bridgend, while their two children were present.
During the trial at Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that Brown had become jealous of his wife’s new partner, Elliott Gore, leading to a heated argument between the couple on July 10, 2023. Brown, expressing fear of losing his family, resorted to violence by stabbing his wife multiple times. Despite their 16-year relationship, Corinne Brown expressed disbelief at Darren’s capabilities, stating that he had never shown abusive behavior before the attack.
The court heard chilling statements made by Brown during the attack, such as “This is what I do for love,” and “Why did you push me this far Corinne?” Despite pleading guilty to wounding with intent, Brown denied attempting to murder his wife. However, a jury eventually found him guilty of attempted murder, leading to his 18-year sentence handed down by Judge Jeremy Jenkins at the Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court.
Corinne Brown expressed the lasting trauma she continues to endure from the incident, stating, “I suffer flashbacks and nightmares and can still feel pain when Darren stabbed me.” She added that she would eventually have to explain to their children that their father had tried to kill her, noting the emotional toll it would take on their family.
The court proceedings also revealed insights into the ongoing issue of domestic abuse, with resources such as the Live Fear Free helpline in Wales being highlighted for those in need of support. Judge Jenkins admonished Darren Brown for his actions, describing them as driven by hatred and jealousy rather than love. Brown was also issued a restraining order preventing him from any contact with Corinne Brown except for matters related to childcare through a third party.
The emotional sentencing hearing underscored the severe consequences of domestic violence, leaving both Darren Brown and Corinne Brown grappling with the aftermath of the traumatic incident. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of seeking help and support in situations of domestic abuse, aiming to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.