A WOMAN has been jailed for almost three years for stabbing her ex-boyfriend with kitchen knife in an unprovoked attack.

Samantha Marie Shutt, 42, of Stockwell Avenue, Knaresborough, had previously pleaded guilty to wounding with intent at York Crown Court and was sentenced to 32 months in prison on Thursday.

The incident happened at about 3am on Sunday, March 21 when the victim, Simon Richard Foster, 40, from Harrogate, visited his estranged girlfriend's house in Knaresborough.

The court heard that when Shutt opened the door she stabbed him twice to the left side of his chest.

Mr Foster was treated at Harrogate District Hospital for puncture wounds to his chest and was discharged the following day.

Shutt was arrested shortly after the attack and was charged later that day.

Detective Constable Dawn Hyde, the investigating officer, said: "This was a completely unprovoked domestic attack which could easily have proved fatal.

"The victim is pleased that the matter has gone to court and the offender has received a significant prison sentence.

"Although reports of domestic violence on male victims is still relatively uncommon, this incident demonstrates that North Yorkshire Police will treat all reports of domestic violence seriously.

"The force has specially trained domestic violence co-ordinators who are on hand to offer victims professional support and advice."

Anyone who is a victim of domestic violence, or knows someone who is being abused, can contact North Yorkshire Police on 0845-60-60247.