A Coventry man who stabbed a young mother 20 times with a screwdriver was jailed for life for attempted murder yesterday.
Jonathan Simpson (35) from Lady Lane, in the Longford area of the city, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court, having pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to attempting to murder Sarah Moule in July last year. Judge Graham Cottle described Simpson as a "highly dangerous man" and ordered he should serve a minimum of six years - less 429 days served in custody - before being considered for parole.
The judge said a Mental Health Act disposal did not meet the necessary level of public protection.
Simpson presented a "continuing danger to the public", and the judge added "the facts of this case lead me to the irresistible conclusion you are a highly dangerous man".
Simpson, said to be suffering from a persistent delusional disorder, drove from the Midlands to attack Mrs Moule at her home in Exmouth, Devon. At an earlier hearing the judge said it was a miracle that Mrs Moule, who suffered wounds to her face, neck, arms and stomach, had survived the attack.
The court heard that Simpson launched the attack because of an unjustified vendetta against four workmates, including the victim's husband. When she was attacked, Mrs Moule was on the phone to her husband.
