'Cold and sinister' South Shields knifeman who left partner for dead launches court appeal

Karl Molyneaux “launched a savage and sustained attack” on his victim after he “snapped” when she told him she did not want him to visit her home.

The nine stab wounds he inflicted to her face, neck, body and arm in her kitchen required life-saving surgery and will leave her scarred for life.

Molyneaux, 53, of Eglesfield Road, South Shields, was jailed for 13-and-a-half years at Newcastle Crown Court last year after admitting attempted murder.

Now, however, he has launched a legal bid to have the sentence reduced.

His case is set to be heard by three judges at London’s Court of Appeal on Thursday, January 28.

Robin Patton, defending, told the crown court last year that two psychiatrists agreed that Molyneaux did not pose a risk to other people.

He was also "keen to show genuine remorse and shame for what he has done".

But Judge Paul Sloan told Molyneaux, who was of previous good character, on passing sentence: "You launched a savage and sustained attack on her with a knife, stabbing and slashing her repeatedly to the face, neck and torso as well as her right arm.

"The injuries represent nine separate actions with the knife.

"The wounds to the neck came perilously close to the carotid artery and the jugular vein.

“Had they been severed, the incident could well have proved fatal.

"It was simply a matter of chance that those vessels were not damaged."

The crown court was earlier told that Molyneaux, who worked for South Tyneside Council as a care quality commissioner, ignored requests to stay away from his partner’s home on March 11 last year by turning up with flowers and a takeaway.

He then picked up a kitchen knife and stabbed her repeatedly after an argument ensued.

Her children dialled 999 while Molyneaux fled to a nearby petrol station where he called the emergency services himself and told them: "I have just stabbed my girlfriend. She will need an ambulance."

After praising the victim for her “amazing bravery and strength”, Detective Sergeant Gaye Martin, of Northumbria Police, said of Molyneaux: "His actions were cold and sinister. The victim is incredibly fortunate to be alive.”

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