Man jailed for Abbey Hulton screwdriver attack
A man has been jailed for nine years after admitting attempting to murder his former partner with a screwdriver.
Carol Bailey, 50, was found with puncture wounds on Abbey Road, Abbey Hulton, in Stoke-on-Trent on 21 May.
She was taken to University Hospital North Staffordshire, where she underwent emergency heart surgery.
George Simpson, 58, of Beverley Drive, Stoke-on-Trent was sentenced at Stafford Crown Court after pleading guilty to attempted murder last month.
Det Insp Steve Maxfield, who led the investigation for Staffordshire Police described it as a "pre-meditated attack" due to "ongoing difficulties in their relationship".
He said Ms Bailey, who has since recovered, would have died had she not undergone emergency surgery.
Ms Bailey was walking down the road when Simpson approached her and stabbed her with the screwdriver several times, Staffordshire Police said.
Simpson was arrested at the scene.