Robert Truscott convicted of attempted murder after stabbing Emma Wolfenden in her Oakham home.
A man has been found guilty of attempted murder after a woman was stabbed at her home in Oakham.
Emma Wolfenden, 37, suffered serious injuries in the incident following the attack by 48-year-old Robert Truscott at her home in Bullfinch Close on the evening of 21 January last year.
Robert Truscott
Ms Wolfenden, who knew Truscott, was taken to hospital where she remained for three months undergoing treatment and surgery before being discharged in April. Truscott was charged with attempted murder shortly after the incident.
In June 2021, Ms Wolfenden sadly died at her home. Following a post mortem examination, it was found the cause of Ms Wolfenden’s death was not directly linked to the injuries caused by Truscott. He remained charged with attempted murder.
Following a trial at Leicester Crown Court, Truscott, of Lowther Close, Langham, Oakham, was today (Thursday) found guilty of the offence. He was also found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm to a man who was also at the property at the time of the incident.
Truscott had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a knife.
He has now been remanded into custody and is due to be sentenced on Friday 4 February.
Police had received a call at 9.10pm on Thursday 21 January last year from Ms Wolfenden reporting that two men had been fighting in her home.
As police were attending the scene, officers were contacted by East Midlands Ambulance Service who had received a call from Truscott stating he had stabbed Ms Wolfenden.
Police arrived at the address where Ms Wolfenden was found with multiple stab wound injuries to her chest and neck. First aid was provided at the scene by officers and Ms Wolfenden was taken to hospital by ambulance. Truscott was at the scene where he told officers the incident was his fault. He was arrested at the scene.
The other man had sustained an injury to his hand during the incident. The man reported being in a fight with Truscott and then witnessing Truscott attacking Ms Wolfenden with a knife.
Enquiries led to Truscott being charged two days later on 23 January.
Officer in the case, Detective Constable Gemma Allen said: “This was no doubt an extremely frightening incident for Ms Wolfenden and for the other male victim involved at the time. Ms Wolfenden remained in hospital for three months after the incident receiving treatment for serious injuries because of the terrifying actions of Robert Truscott.
“My thoughts today remain with everyone affected by this incident including the family of Ms Wolfenden who have suffered hugely throughout the past year. I know this incident will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
“The investigation has been extremely complex and difficult and I would like to thank the team of officers and staff involved for their dedicated work and support which has led to this conviction of Truscott today.”
“A kind and loving person”: The family of Emma Wolfenden pay tribute
Emma Wolfenden
Following today's trial verdict, the family of Emma Wolfenden have paid tribute to her, describing her “kind and loving” character.
Emma’s older brother Charles said: “Emma spent most of her life in Rutland and touched a lot of lives during her life. The attendance at her funeral and the tributes and messages we received following her death showed this. It was very humbling and a testament to how loved she was.
“Emma was a kind and loving person. During her life, she worked as a carer for disadvantaged children for many years and also worked with people battling substance abuse. She was also due to start a qualification in social care.
“Emma also had a great sense of humour and would light up any room she walked into. She loved listening to music, played the oboe and also enjoyed horse riding.
“After being discharged from hospital in April, Emma had been determined to keep moving forward with her life and to make a quick recovery. As a family, we were left devastated by her tragic death.
“Emma - you will forever be in our memories. We will never forget you and the happiness and joy you brought not only to our lives but to the lives of many others too.”
After a majority verdict found Truscott guilty of attempted murder, prosecutor Andrew Peet told the jury of his former offences.
Mr Peet said that after an argument with a former girlfriend he punched her several times in the face and body before attempting to strangle her. The woman managed to get away however, Truscott set her flat on fire.
He pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent and arson, and was sentenced to four years in prison.
Soon after being released from prison, he attacked the same woman and forced entry into her flat, attempting to strangle her.
The barrister told the jury that he said words to the effect of 'I failed last time, I will do a better job this time'. He was found guilty of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent and sentenced to seven years and 240 days in prison.
On another occasion, a different woman received a telephone call from Truscott who said he was going to burn her flat down with her and her animals inside. He pleaded guilty to this as well as an offence of damaging property.
Truscott was given a community order and restraining order instead of going to prison.
However, he breached the restraining order to see the woman before sexually assaulting her. He was sentenced to 25 weeks and put on the sex offenders register for seven years for sexual assault, harassment and breaching a restraining order.
Following the jury's verdict, Truscott has been remanded into custody and is due to be sentenced on Friday, 4th February 2022
