CALNE MAN JAILED FOR STABBING EX-PARTNER 17 TIMES
A man from Wiltshire has received a 21-year prison sentence for attempted murder after he repeatedly stabbed his former partner 17 times before turning the knife on himself.Martin Cundliffe, aged 62 and residing in Calne, was convicted at Swindon Crown Court.
The assault took place on December 2, 2023, just moments after his ex-partner woke up from a late shift.
During the incident, Cundliffe used a kitchen knife to carry out the attack, inflicting 17 stab wounds that resulted in heavy blood loss and injuries serious enough to require reconstructive surgery.
The victim managed to flee from the scene, running to a neighbor's house, and seized an opportunity to push Cundliffe over when he became distracted.
Court proceedings revealed that Cundliffe had initially taken the knife from the kitchen and brought it into the bedroom before attacking.
He also prevented her from accessing her phone and refused to allow her to seek medical assistance unless she stabbed him in the chest, which she refused to do.
Following the assault, Cundliffe stabbed himself before being arrested.
Evidence presented in court suggested that he did not necessarily intend for either of them to survive.
The judge sentenced him to 21 years and issued a restraining order.
Tim Cole, the senior district crown prosecutor, described the attack as "vicious, unprovoked, and driven by baseless jealousy and paranoia," highlighting the victim’s fear of dying and her wish not to see her children again.
He also noted that Cundliffe denied attempting to kill his ex-partner despite substantial evidence, and he commended the victim’s bravery during the trial.
