Former councillor sentenced for attempted murder

A former Bridgend town Councillor was jailed at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court today for attempting to kill his wife.

Darren Brown, 35, was separated from his wife but remained living in the same property. On 10 July 2023 the two were arguing when Darren Brown went downstairs and took a knife from the kitchen.

He returned upstairs and whilst his wife was trying to settle the baby down, he stabbed her twice in the back. The victim managed to get to the bathroom and lock the door but Darren Brown kicked the door so hard it came off its hinges. 

The victim was then stabbed a third time to the back before Darren Brown left the property and drove off. 

Initially, Darren Brown said it was his wife who had the knife and he tried to take it off her, during which she was injured. 

He later pleaded guilty at Court to wounding with intent but denied attempted murder. However, he was convicted of the offence following trial, after the jury had heard all the evidence. 

Hannah West of the CPS said: “This was a shocking and violent attack. 

“Darren Brown deliberately obtained the knife and brought it upstairs with him, using it when the victim was at her most vulnerable. 

“Any one of the wounds could have been fatal and the evidence we presented to the jury demonstrated Brown’s intention was to kill his wife. 

“It is difficult to imagine how terrifying this must have been for the victim. Our thoughts remain with her and we hope she can take comfort from knowing her husband has been brought to justice for this appalling attack.”

Darren Brown was sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment on 15 November 2024 and a restraining order.