A man has been sentenced to nearly seven years in prison - after repeatedly stabbing a woman in the neck.

Michael Wilkes, 71, stabbed his friend, Lynette Newell, in the neck several times while saying that he wanted to kill her.

Wilkes, from Nancegollan, Helston, pleaded guilty to attempted murder, after admitting to police that he stabbed Mrs Newell when he lost his temper.

Today, at Plymouth Crown Court, Wilkes was sentenced to six years and eight months for the attack which left his friend scarred and traumatised.

Wilkes had been an unofficial carer to Mrs Newell, who suffers from several serious medical conditions.

At the time of the assault Wilkes had been driving his vehicle when he suddenly pulled over to the side of the road.

When Mrs Newell asked why he had done this Wilkes grabbed a knife which was in the vehicle and proceeded to stab her repeatedly.

Throughout the sustained attack Wilkes told Mrs Newell that he wanted to kill her, but later handed himself in to the police.

The police at the station in Camborne reacted immediately, and were able to perform life-saving first aid to Mrs Newell, and gather crucial evidence which led to Wilkes' conviction.

DC Ella Clarke, investigating officer, said: "This is an excellent outcome for what could very easily have been a full murder investigation.

"Due to an incredible response from officers at Camborne Police Station, Mrs Newell's life was saved.

"Wilkes was arrested at the earliest opportunity, and evidence against him was secured.

"He was convicted at Plymouth Crown Court and sentenced to six years and eight months immediate custody.

"This reinforces our commitment as a police service to protect the most vulnerable in our communities, and shows this exceptional example of one-team working by officers from numerous departments at Camborne.

"We encourage victims to come forward and we warn perpetrators that they will be dealt with to the full extent of our powers.”