A 13-year-old girl in Suffolk has been hailed a hero after saving her mother’s life during a terrifying attack at their Carlton Colville home. Selina Fox’s partner, 32-year-old Ryan Leggett, stabbed her eight times with two knives after she discovered him in bed with another man.
Selina told ITV News Anglia that the assault occurred in November 2024. After being confronted, Leggett chased her into the kitchen, grabbed a knife, and threatened her at knifepoint. Selina’s young son was present during the attack, pleading with Leggett to stop.
Meanwhile, her daughter, sleeping in the room opposite, heard the commotion and acted quickly. Despite Leggett confiscating the family’s phones and locking the doors, the 13-year-old managed to escape through a window and alert authorities, enabling her mother to receive life-saving help.
Selina was rushed to hospital with multiple stab wounds to her lungs, chest, and abdomen, as well as a broken rib. She underwent four hours of emergency surgery. Speaking about her daughter’s courage, Selina said, “If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be alive.”
Ryan Leggett was later convicted of attempted murder at Ipswich Crown Court and sentenced to 27 years in prison. He was also banned from contacting Selina or her children.
Selina described the attack as a shocking betrayal: she said Leggett had never been violent toward her in their four-year relationship and had no previous history of cheating. “It feels like our whole relationship was a lie,” she said.
Detective Constable Sophie Moore praised the victim’s bravery, stating: “This was an extremely violent and frenzied attack, yet she showed incredible resilience during the court proceedings, helping us secure justice against Leggett.”
The case has left the family deeply shaken, but Selina and her children are now recovering from the traumatic ordeal.
