A spurned lover who repeatedly stabbed his former partner moments after asking her for ‘one last hug’ has been jailed for four years.
Gordon Ayre, 54, attacked Mariana Mreana shortly after she told him that their seven year long relationship was over.
The High Court in Edinburgh heard how Ayre repeatedly plunged a blade into her breast and abdomen during the frenzied assault at their workplace, the Select Wallpaper store in Ainslie Street, Dundee.
He also cut her on her left arm and the middle finger on her left hand during the attack.
The court heard how Mariana, who has been left permanently scarred, was wearing eight layers of clothing at the time of the assault in the shop.
The story emerged after Ayre, a prisoner of HMP Perth, pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting Mariana to her severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of her life on August 2 2017 last month.
Sentence had been deferred for the court to obtain reports.
On Thursday, defence solicitor advocate Gordon Martin said his client “deeply loved” and that he regretted attacking Mariana.
But judge Lord Woolman said the only suitable disposal available to the court was jail.
Passing sentence, Lord Woolman said: “You struck your partner at least seven times with the knife. That is a very serious crime.
“As a result of the attack, she sustained puncture wounds to her left breast, abdomen and left arm. She also suffered a laceration to her left middle finger. She has been left with permanent scars.
“It is fortunate that you do not appear on a more serious charge.”
Ayre, who has no previous convictions, also pleaded guilty to a charge of breaching bail by sending text messages to Mariana on August 24 2017.
Prosecution lawyer Sean Smith QC said: “The accused asked the complainer for one last hug, before striking her repeatedly on the body with a knife penetrating her breast and abdomen.
“The complainer attempted to defend herself pleading with the accused to stop.
“However, the accused continued the attack and had to be pulled off the complainer by others. Thereafter, the accused repeatedly struck himself on the body with the knife.”
Ayre needed treatment for his injuries.
On Thursday, Mr Martin told the court that his client was abused as a child but had became a useful member of the community before the assault.
Mr Martin also said that Ayre regretted his actions and that this regret prompted him to plead guilty to the charge at the earliest opportunity.
