A MAN accused of carrying out a machete attack on his partner told police she fell on it, tripped over the dog and slipped on lino in various accounts of the incident, a court heard.

Paramedics called to an address in Wheatley Hill, County Durham, found the woman with a long slash injury to her right thigh, wrapped in a heavily blood-stained towel, in an upstairs bedroom, at 10.30pm on September 7.

Durham Crown Court was told police were greeted by defendant George Burnip who told them she fell on a machete he left on a bed.

Shaun Dryden, prosecuting, said it did not match the account the woman gave to paramedics, so Burnip was arrested, while the victim was taken to hospital.

She underwent more than two hours of treatment to the 15cm wound, which needed 28 stitches. There were no underlying injuries, although she will be left scarred.

Contradictory accounts were given to police of her slipping on lino and tripping over the dog onto the machete, while in a defence statement he said he was recklessly swinging the weapon around.

But, Mr Dryden said it was only when a forensic expert’s report stated it appeared to be a deliberate blow that Burnip admitted wounding with intent, days before his trial.

The court heard the 33-year-old, of Alexander Terrace, Wheatley Hill, has no previous convictions.

Amrit Jandoo, mitigating, said Burnip was carer for his partner of four years, who has learning difficulties.

He said he lost his temper that night after a petty row, for which he is “horrified and remorseful”.

Jailing him for eight years, Judge Christopher Prince said it was an attack on a “significantly vulnerable” victim. An unlimited restraining order forbids Burnip making future contact.