Leeds law graduate who survived murder bid speaks after ex-boyfriend jailed for 15 years

A UNIVERSITY of Leeds law graduate who survived being stabbed, bludgeoned and strangled has spoken of her ordeal after her former boyfriend was convicted of attempted murder and jailed for 15 years.

Leeds Crown Court heard Stuart Johansen “exploded” because Sharon Walton had rejected him and armed himself as she slept at the home they continued to share in Warwick Street, Agrigg, Wakefield on January 25.

He repeatedly bludgeoned her around the head with an iron and stabbed her in the scalp, neck and chest with a kitchen knife with such force that the blade bent.

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Johansen, 41, held Miss Walton by the throat and forced her head into a pillow as he told her: ”You won’t die will you.”

Miss Walton, 45, suffered stab wounds to her chest, neck, and scalp; a double skull fracture and a brain injury that has left her with health issues including memory problems and dizziness.

Jailing Johansen for 15 years, Mr Justice Warby told him: “You intended to kill her when you hit her with the iron.

“You used the knife as an alternative method and then tried strangulation and suffocation.

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“In my judgement you exploded because Sharon Walton had rejected you.”

Johansen had denied attempted murder but was convicted by a jury after a trial.

Miss Walton, who was awarded a law degree two years ago after studying at the University of Leeds, has been unable to return to her job at a firm of solicitors.

She hopes to continue the process of training to be solicitor when she is well enough.

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She said after the sentencing: “It has been unbearable, not just dealing with the health issues but the financial side as well and the upcoming case – knowing all along that he should have pleaded guilty.”