Man jailed for 'horrific' stab attack on woman

A man who stabbed a woman in the stomach as part of a "horrific attack" has been jailed for 10 years.

Liam James Watson, of Prospect Road in Scarborough, attacked his ex-partner in the town on 27 March 2024.

Watson, 32, was found guilty of grievous bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon and criminal damage on 20 March, following a trial at York Crown Court.

Det Con Stephen Monty told the court Watson's victim was subjected to a "nasty, violent attack" and should be commended for having the courage to "bravely face him in court".

The victim told the court on the day of the attack Watson had been argumentative and had repeatedly called her names.

She said after he put her in a headlock she thought Watson had punched her, but saw blood on her left side and realised she had been stabbed.

The court heard members of the public had seen Watson dispose of the knife on a roof in the town and had reported that to the police.

The jury heard Watson had repeatedly spat inside the holding cage of the police vehicle after he was arrested and once in custody had used "horrific racial abuse repeatedly towards a police officer".

Following the guilty verdict Det Con Monty said: "No one should have to undergo any form of verbal or physical violence.

"I hope the sentence will give the victim a sense of closure and enable her to move on with her life."

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