Man jailed for 21 years after stabbing ex-partner

A man has been sentenced to 21 years in prison after stabbing his ex-partner outside a primary school in a "vengeful campaign".

Barze Faesal, 30, of no fixed address, attacked his former partner on 21 May after stalking her around the country.

During the investigation the victim told officers how he had been coercive and controlling while they were in a relationship and had left her "consumed with fear".

At Luton Crown Court earlier, he was sentenced to 21 years in prison with an additional five years on licence.

The victim said she had made several attempts to flee the relationship but Faesal had relentlessly pursued her.

The victim was stabbed in Dunstable Road, Luton, at about 08:30 BST on 21 May, close to Beech Hill Community Primary School in Bedfordshire.

In August, Faesal pleaded guilty to attempted murder, threats to kill and stalking. He previously pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article.

Judge Alison Hunter KC said it was a "terrifying and vengeful campaign".

She highlighted how the victim had "sought refuge around the country" but Faesal had "repeatedly tracked down her whereabouts and caused her to fear her own safety".

She said Faesal was "high risk and of serious harm".

Det Supt Emma Pitts, the head of the Bedfordshire Police's Public Protection Unit, said domestic abuse and violence in any form was "unacceptable" and the force was committed to bringing perpetrators to justice.

"This was a horrific attack on a woman who was targeted in broad daylight by a man who refused to believe their relationship was over.

"During their relationship the victim lived in fear, and even when she tried to leave the relationship, that fear followed her as Faesal continued to stalk and abuse her, before carrying out his vicious attack."

Ms Pitts urged victims to come forward and said the force was "here to help".

"No woman ever deserves to feel unsafe, and they should be able to leave a relationship without fear," she said.

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