A man who attacked his ex-partner with a Stanley knife blade while she was sleeping in bed has been locked up.
Leon Cooper pulled the duvet cover off her and slashed her thigh, causing a 15-centimetre wound.
The 27-year-old then attacked her again with the blade, inflicting a six-centimetre cut to her jawline which stretched from her lower ear area down towards her neck.
The victim, who was covered in blood, managed to get away from Cooper and ran from the house. Paramedics and police were alerted after she fled to a friend’s house who called for help.
The victim was treated in hospital following the attack which took place at an address in Eastwood on 5 November 2023.
Following inquiries, police arrested Cooper at an address in Warwick Road, Somercotes, Derbyshire, and he was subsequently charged.
Cooper, formerly of Warwick Road, Somercotes, appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday (4 July 2024) after pleading guilty to wounding without intent.
He was jailed for a total of five years and 10 weeks.
Judge Steven Coupland, who handed Cooper an extended sentence, said the attack was ‘inexplicable, deliberate, and came out of nowhere.”
Detective Sergeant Laura Gooch, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Cooper is clearly a dangerous individual with a propensity for violence, so I’m pleased he has now been removed from our streets.
“This was a very serious and deliberate assault on an extremely vulnerable victim who was asleep in bed.
“I hope it gives her some degree of comfort that Cooper has been held accountable and is now safely behind bars. I’d also like to thank her for the bravery she has shown throughout our investigation.”
For information on domestic abuse, including ways to report and organisations which can help you, visit: Advice about domestic abuse | Nottinghamshire Police
Mansfield 103.2 Afternoon News - 261124
