Man jailed after jealousy-fuelled knife attack on ex-partner

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

Martin Cundliffe, 62, was sentenced to 21 years' imprisonment after being found guilty of attempted murder following a trial at Swindon Crown Court.

Cundliffe, of Calne in Wiltshire, began his attack on 2 December 2023 within minutes of the victim waking up after a late shift.

The victim narrowly escaped the scene, taking the opportunity to push Cundliffe over when he was distracted and fleeing to her neighbours.

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

Prosecutors with CPS Wessex set out to prove that Cundliffe did not intend for either of them to leave the house alive.

Following a successful application by the prosecution, Cundliffe’s convictions for domestic violence from a previous relationship were presented to the jury as prosecutors argued they represented an escalating pattern of behaviour.

The victim, who previously ended the relationship with Cundliffe, also gave evidence to the court to prove his intention to kill.

It was heard how Cundliffe had removed a knife from the kitchen and brought it up to the bedroom prior to the attack.

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.

Police found Cundliffe stabbing himself in the chest before he was apprehended.

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.

“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.”