Man stabbed wife multiple times, court hears

A man launched a "sustained" attack on his wife with two knives, leaving her with multiple stab wounds, a court has heard.

Mark Taylor, 56, is on trial at Derby Crown Court after pleading not guilty to the attempted murder of Suzanne Taylor.

He has admitted wounding with intent.

At the trial opening on Monday, the court was told Mrs Taylor believed she was going to die in the attack on 15 February.

Jurors were told the assault happened at about midday after an argument broke out over how the couple looked after their teenage son.

A police interview was shown to the jury in which Mrs Taylor said: "I seriously thought 'that’s it, my time’s up'.

"You don’t expect to be stabbed in the neck and walk away."

Prosecutors said Mr Taylor became violent after being told to leave by his wife.

He picked up a knife and stabbed her in the arm, which she had raised in defence, and then in her neck before the knife broke, the prosecution said.

"That should have been the end of it," the prosecution added.

"It did not stop or deter this defendant. He picked up a second knife and continued the attack.

"The medical evidence clearly shows his intention at the time.

"According to scientists, it would take significant force to break such a knife.

"He left his wife bleeding, locked the house, leaving her with no way to contact the emergency services.

"He did absolutely nothing to help preserve her life."

The court heard Mrs Taylor was also stabbed in the chest and abdomen, and sustained a defensive injury to her finger.

After the attack stopped, the prosecution said Mr Taylor did not call 999 despite his wife pleading for him to do so, and instead took her phone away to stop her from contacting the emergency services.

The court heard Ms Taylor was then locked in the house by her husband, who left with their son and was arrested later that day in Chester, about 65 miles away.

Police found Mrs Taylor's phone in his car, the prosecution added.

A prepared statement that was read out to police during an interview on behalf of Mr Taylor was heard by the jury.

The statement said Mrs Taylor was the one holding a knife, before dropping it.

This prompted a scuffle which culminated in her being stabbed, but the statement said Mr Taylor did not intend to stab her.

It went on to say Mr Taylor claimed he had acted in self-defence and did not believe his wife was seriously injured when he left the house.

Mrs Taylor eventually managed to get the attention of one of her neighbours by banging on the window, and the police were called.

Mr Taylor has not yet entered a plea in response to a charge of coercive and controlling behaviour.

The trial continues.

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