A Wiltshire man has been jailed for attempted murder after stabbing his ex-partner 17 times before turning the knife on himself.

Martin Cundliffe, 62, from Calne, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison after being found guilty of attempted murder following a trial at Swindon Crown Court.

Cundliffe began his attack on his ex-partner on December 2, 2023, within minutes of her waking up after a late shift.

After being stabbed 17 times, the victim narrowly escaped the scene and ran to her neighbour's house, taking the opportunity to push Cundliffe over when he was distracted.

She suffered significant blood loss and wounds all over her body, some requiring reconstructive surgery.

In a trial at Swindon Crown Court, judges heard how Cundliffe had taken the knife from the kitchen and brought it up to the bedroom prior to the attack.

Martin Cundliffe's attack was spurred on by 'jealousy and paranoia'Martin Cundliffe's attack was spurred on by 'jealousy and paranoia' (Image: Wiltshire Police)

It was also shown that he had prevented the victim from receiving medical attention by standing in front of the door and preventing access to her phone.

Cundliffe told the victim he wouldn’t let her get help until she stabbed him in the chest, to which she refused.

The defendant later stabbed himself before he was apprehended, and prosecutors presented evidence that Cundliffe did not intend for either of them to leave the house alive.

“Martin Cundliffe, spurred on by unfounded jealousy and paranoia, enacted a vicious, unprovoked attack on his victim," said Tim Cole, senior district crown prosecutor with CPS Wessex.

“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."

Cundliffe was sentenced at Swindon Crown CourtCundliffe was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

Cundliffe will also be subject to a restraining order on release.

“The victim in this case gave powerful evidence at trial, the strength of which helped secure this conviction," added the prosecutor.

“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.”