A BUS driver who repeatedly stabbed his wife will be taken from jail to hospital today for treatment for a heart condition.

Barry Moore, 60, is on remand in Holme House Prison, in Stockton, and will be given an angiagram examination at the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough.

Yesterday, he admitted stabbing his estranged wife Marie, 57, with a vegetable knife when they were due to meet to discuss their separation.

She suffered six knife wounds in the stomach and three cuts on her arms as she protected herself during the attack near the Market Place in Crook, County Durham.

A judge at Teesside Crown Court, who heard evidence from the couple, ruled that Moore armed himself for the attack on his wife.

Moore said he had been carrying the knife for three weeks in his work bag, but she said she had used it for cutting vegetables only days before.

The Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Peter Fox, said Moore lied on oath in his evidence.

He said Mrs Moore was an entirely truthful and accurate witness, and found that Moore "has lied to me on his oath, and the only reason for lies is to conceal the truth of this matter".

Moore of Heather Lane, Crook, pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm on May 25.

He was remanded in custody for four weeks for pre-sentence and medical reports.