A man who tried to kill his partner by electrocuting and stabbing her after she ended their relationship has been jailed for 24 years.

Cambridgeshire police say that Ashley Hudson (40) of Southwell Close, March, attacked his partner four days after she told him she was leaving him.

The attack left the victim with four skull fractures and two deep burns..

Police say that during their investigation, officers discovered Hudson had been monitoring the victim’s phone and social media accounts and that he had previously installed cameras and voice-recording devices inside a former home they shared.

Officers discovered that he would only allow the victim to take medication if he physically placed it in her mouth and, over a two-month period, over-medicated her, leaving her constantly tired and needing to sleep for long periods.

Hudson was sentenced to 24 years in prison after being found guilty of attempted murder at a hearing at Peterborough Crown Court on July 3.

A police spokesperson said: “Four days before he was due to leave on October 13, Hudson launched the attack while the victim slept.”

Police say the victim was left with two deep burn wounds caused by a home-made Taser-type device and had been.repeatedly stabbed in the head, causing four skull fractures.

The spokesperson said: “Hudson then forced the victim into the shower and told her to clean herself up before fleeing the property with the knife and a bag containing clothes, his phone and the victim’s phone.

"Despite her injuries, the victim managed to escape to a neighbour’s house for help.

"Hudson called 999 and told a call handler, “I’ve just stabbed my missus, I think I stabbed her a lot.”

“He also said he was covered in the victim’s blood, had left the scene and was in a nearby field.”

Officers arrived at the property and found the victim distressed and soaked in blood and water.

The spokesperson said: “She told police Hudson would rather kill her than allow her to leave him.”

Armed officers later arrested Hudson in a field near March.

Police say that during an interview with officers, Hudson claimed he remembered seeing the victim asleep in bed before blacking out and waking up with a knife in his hand.

Afterwards, Detective Sergeant Steve Ward said: “This was a truly horrific and sustained attack on a woman whose ‘crime’ was only wanting to end a relationship.

“When he realised he was losing control over her, he carried out a calculated and brutal attack with the clear intention of killing her.

“The victim suffered significant physical and emotional trauma, yet throughout this investigation she has shown remarkable courage and resilience. Her bravery in supporting the prosecution has been instrumental in securing this conviction.

“I hope this sentence provides the victim with a sense of justice and allows her to move forward with her life, knowing Hudson can no longer harm her.”