Man who tried to kill woman in knife attack jailed

A man who admitted trying to murder a woman in a knife attack has been jailed.

David Fletcher, of South Shields, dragged his victim to a secluded spot between two buildings in Gilesgate, Durham where he attacked her.

Appearing at Teesside Crown Court, the 62-year-old, pleaded guilty to attempted murder, possession of a knife and assault. He was jailed for 17 years with an additional four on extended licence.

Det Con Jack Robinson, of Durham Police, said such violence would "not be tolerated".

He said the woman had made a full recovery and that he hoped she would take "comfort" knowing her attacker was behind bars.

The victim survived after a woman heard her screaming and ran over to grab the knife off Fletcher, Durham Police said.

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