A jealous ex-boyfriend who chased his former partner into a bathroom and stabbed her 14 times has been jailed.

Frank Brinkley, 52, armed with a knife, launched the horrifying attack on his ex on a quiet afternoon in May earlier this year, leaving her soaked in her own blood at her home in Radlett.

Scores of officers, including armed police, dogs, and a police helicopter, were called to Scrubbits Square on May 27 following the stabbing, after Brinkley had forced his way into the flat.

Watford Observer:

Police were called to the residential street after the attack

By the time they had arrived, Brinkley had already fled but not before throwing bleach over her.

Despite being stabbed numerous times, the victim, in her 40s, managed to call the police where she was taken to a hospital in London for emergency surgery to her arms and torso.

Watford Observer:

Doctors said it was “pure luck” that the knife missed her vital organs.

She has since made a full recovery.

Watford Observer:

The victim was stabbed 14 times

The attack in Scrubbits Square was not the first time Brinkley had targeted his former partner.

Earlier in the month, on May 3, the 52-year-old of no fixed address, abused his ex while she sat on a bench in the centre of Radlett before he struck her new lover, aged in his 30s and was sat next to her, on the back of his head in an unprovoked attack.

After the stabbing in Scrubbits Square, police launched an appeal to trace Brinkley and wide-scale searches were carried out including in Watford town centre, where armed police were called to Primark.

Watford Observer:

Forensic police, armed officers, dogs, and a helicopter were called in after the alarm was raised

Wanted Brinkley was caught two days later in London Colney, with the knife it is believed he used to stab his victim, still in his back pocket.

At St Albans Crown Court on Friday, Judge Stephen Warner said Brinkley had shown himself to be a “dangerous man who carries out calculated attacks”.

Brinkley pleaded guilty to charges of attempted murder, common assault, and throwing a corrosive substance.

Watford Observer:

A cordon was put up outside the block of flats in Scrubbits Square

He has been sentenced in prison with a minimum term of 10 years. He will be eligible for parole after 10 years but if he is released, it would be on licence and Brinkley would be “closely monitored” for the rest of his life.

Detective Constable Natalia Allodi-Robertson, from the domestic abuse investigation and safeguarding unit said: “This is absolutely the right result for the victim. Brinkley stabbed her in a frenzied attack fuelled by jealousy, before throwing bleach over her and fleeing the scene without any concern for her welfare.

“It must have been terrifying for her.”

Anyone affected by domestic abuse in Hertfordshire can get guidance and support via the helpline 08088088088 or visiting www.HertsSunflower.org

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