Man jailed for 24 years after brutal attack on ex-partner

A man who attempted to kill his ex-partner by electrocuting and stabbing her has been sentenced to 24 years in prison. Ashley Hudson, 40, of Southwell Close, March, used a homemade Taser-type device to burn the victim before repeatedly stabbing her in the face and head during a frenzied attack.

The victim had informed Hudson that their relationship was over in September last year, with Hudson agreeing to move out by 13 October. However, four days before he was due to leave, Hudson launched the attack while the victim slept.

As she lay on her front in bed, Hudson used the Taser on her back, causing two deep burn wounds. When she rolled over and tried to fight him off, he used it again on her side and chest before stabbing her repeatedly with a potato knife, resulting in four skull fractures.

Hudson then forced the victim into the shower and told her to clean herself up before fleeing the property with the knife and a bag containing clothes, his phone, and the victim’s phone. Despite her injuries, the victim managed to escape to a neighbour's house for help.

At 12:29am on 9 October, Hudson called 999 and told a call handler, "I've just stabbed my missus." He added, "I think I stabbed her a lot." Officers arrived at the property and found the victim distressed and soaked in blood and water. She told them that Hudson would rather kill her than allow her to leave him.

During the investigation, officers discovered that Hudson had monitored the victim's phone and social media accounts and had previously installed cameras and voice-recording devices inside their former home. He had also over-medicated her, leaving her constantly tired and needing to sleep for long periods.

Hudson was arrested in a field on the outskirts of March. During police interview, he claimed he remembered seeing the victim asleep in bed before blacking out and waking up with a knife in his hand.

On 3 July, at Peterborough Crown Court, Hudson was found guilty of attempted murder and sentenced to 24 years in prison. Detective Sergeant Steve Ward said: "This was a truly horrific and sustained attack on a woman whose 'crime' was only wanting to end a relationship. When he realised he was losing control over her, he carried out a calculated and brutal attack with the clear intention of killing her."

The victim suffered significant physical and emotional trauma but showed remarkable courage and resilience throughout the investigation. Her bravery in supporting the prosecution has been instrumental in securing this conviction.

For help and support on domestic abuse, including coercive control, visit our dedicated webpage.

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