Jaywick meat cleaver attack: Man jailed for life

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-31703428

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A man has been jailed for life for trying to kill a woman in a "vicious and sustained" meat cleaver attack.

Kerry Roberts, 49, was charged with attempted murder after the assault in Meadow Way, Jaywick, Essex, on 1 November 2014.

The woman, aged in her 40s, is now recovering, but has been left with permanent physical scars.

Roberts, of no fixed address, was sentenced to life imprisonment and must serve a minimum of nine years.

Det Insp Anne Cameron said: "I am relieved Kerry Roberts has admitted his guilt, albeit at the start of his trial.

'Unrelenting attack'

"He has saved the victim the trauma of having to relieve the events of that traumatic night in court.

"We were so lucky that we were not investigating a murder."

Judge Charles Gratwicke sentenced Roberts to life imprisonment with a minimum term of nine years at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Lynn Harvey, for the Crown Prosecution Service said: "This was a vicious and sustained attack by a violent man who has no regard for the lasting physical and mental harm he has inflicted on to his victim.

"The attack was unrelenting, causing horrific injuries.

"We are pleased Roberts has pleaded guilty to attempted murder, which at least means his victim will not have to face the ordeal of a trial."