Angus MacDonald secures attempted murder conviction

July 3, 2025

Angus MacDonald from Exchange Chambers has successfully prosecuted a man for attempted murder.

Stephen Carr, 57, attacked his wife at their home in Strensall, near York, after drinking a litre of vodka and telling her “you are dying tonight”.

The argument was sparked over the “concerns and stresses of caring for the defendant’s mother” who lived with them at the time and had dementia, Angus MacDonald told Leeds Crown Court.

North Yorkshire Police said he had pursued his wife around the house with a bow he had previously used in target archery competitions.

The force said he had fired one shot, which hit a door, before firing two more arrows at her as she hid under a duvet.

He then took a knife from the kitchen and stabbed her six times in the back as she spoke to a 999 call handler.

During his trial, Carr claimed he had blacked out and could not remember what had happened and denied attempting to murder his wife.

However, a jury convicted him of attempted murder.

Carr was jailed for 17 years and told he would serve an additional three years on licence following his release.