A MAN who carried out a sustained knife attack on his partner after a drunken row over loud music was yesterday jailed for ten years.

Carl Damien Lunn repeatedly slashed his victim with a kitchen knife, then left her covered in blood while he walked the dog, only calling 999 on his return, Durham Crown Court heard.

Lunn said the attack had been carried out by her former boyfriend, but he was able to prove he was elsewhere at the time.

Despite repeatedly denying responsibility, Lunn, 23, admitted wounding with intent at a previous hearing.

He did so on the basis she hit him first.

Although that was questioned by the prosecution, Judge Peter Kelson said he would proceed to sentencing yesterday.

Oliver Thorne, prosecuting, said the January 20 attack happened after Lunn’s 21-year-old partner received a £500 loan.

The pair bought a computer game and a substantial amount of alcohol, much of which they drank on their return to their home in Angus Street, Easington Colliery, County Durham.

However, the mood deteriorated after a disagreement over a computer game and the volume of music being played.

Lunn headbutted her, forced her to the ground and stamped on her lower back, before getting a knife from the kitchen.

Mr Thorne said Lunn slashed her several times across the face and neck, causing huge blood loss.

Such was the force of the blows that the knife buckled and the handle split from the blade.

The victim lost consciousness and was treated for several serious injuries.

However, the court was told she refused to give a statement and has begun writing to the defendant in custody.

Joe Hedworth, in mitigation, said Lunn claimed to have only a hazy memory of the incident.

He added that there was an element of provocation, although Lunn admitted he had gone too far and was deeply remorseful.

Jailing him, Judge Peter Kelson said the attack was “gratuitous, brutal violence”

on a vulnerable victim, aggravated by Lunn’s failure to immediately seek medical help and then by him trying to blame someone else.