A Calne man stabbed his ex-girlfriend 17 times days after their break-up.
Martin Cundliffe attacked Tanya Billing at her home in Lawrence Drive on 2 December last year – before turning the knife on himself in a bid to end his life.
The 62-year-old denied attempted murder but following his trial at Swindon Crown Court, a jury convicted him of the crime in June. He has since been jailed for 21 years.
On 21 November – just eleven days before the violent incident – the defendant posted on Facebook: “Martin Cundliffe has been dumped by Tanya and Marie building should cheer up a lot of peopl”.
On the day of the stabbing, Cundliffe inflicted 17 wounds across her body – including two to her chest. She suffered significant blood loss and some injuries required reconstructive surgery.
The victim narrowly escaped the scene, taking the opportunity to push the defendant over when he was distracted and fleeing to her neighbours.
It was the Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) case that Cundliffe – who had convictions for domestic abuse relating to former partners – did not intend for either of them to leave the house alive.
His previous was described to the jury as “an escalating pattern of behaviour”. They also heard from Ms Billing, who gave evidence in court.
Cundliffe even prevented his victim from seeking medical attention by standing in front of the door and preventing access to her phone.
He told her that he wouldn’t let her get help until she stabbed him in the chest, to which she refused. When police arrived, Cundliffe was found stabbing himself in the moments before his arrest.
Tim Cole, Senior District Crown Prosecutor with CPS Wessex said: “Martin Cundliffe, spurred on by unfounded jealously and paranoia, enacted a vicious, unprovoked attack on his victim.
“She feared that she would die and would never see her children again.
“Even with mounting evidence against him, Cundliffe still denied attempting to take the life of his ex-partner.”
He added: “The victim in this case gave powerful evidence at trial, the strength of which helped secure this conviction.
“Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for the CPS, and we hope this sentence shows, in conjunction with Wiltshire Police, we are committed to bringing offenders to justice.
“I want to commend the victim for her bravery in supporting the case and wish her the best in her continued recovery.”
