A KNIFE-wielding menace who tried to kill his partner by stabbing her more than 30 times has been jailed.

John Forajter, 41, carried out the frenzied attack on his girlfriend of three months at her Sunderland address in October last year.

The couple had a row after returning from a night out and, in a fit of rage, Forajter grabbed a knife and stabbed his partner multiple times in the back, chest, neck, arms and legs.

Bleeding heavily, the naked victim managed to escape her flat and get the attention of a neighbour, who subsequently rang 999. She was taken to hospital for emergency treatment.

On Wednesday, Forajter was found guilty of attempted murder by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court, following a four-day trial, and has been jailed for 16 years.

Detective Constable Karen Butterworth, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was an absolutely horrific attack that left a terrified woman with more than 30 stab wounds.

“There can be little doubt that John Forajter tried to kill his victim that night. He subjected her to a truly harrowing ordeal in her own home in what was a sustained and unprovoked attack against someone he was meant to care for."

The court was told Forajter had been drinking at the Guide Post Inn on the evening of October 26 last year, before he was asked to leave by staff for being too intoxicated.

He asked his girlfriend to leave with him, but she remained at the pub for another 90 minutes before returning to her flat in Sunderland.

Shortly after 11.15pm, Forajter attended her home and a blazing row ensued. The attacker then grabbed a knife from the kitchen and set upon his terrified partner, who was in the process of putting on her pyjamas.

After suffering more than 30 stab wounds, she managed to escape the flat and desperately banged on the door of a neighbour, who rang 999.

In an impact statement read out in court, his victim said: “Since the attack I have been diagnosed with PTSD which gives me nightmares about what happened to me. I also wake up in sweats.

“As a result of my physical injuries, I have no feeling in my left ear and down my left arm. I have a lot of muscular and back ache as a result.

“My life will never be the same again as a result of this attack.”

Forajter, of The Sanderlings, Ryhope, admitted assaulting his partner but denied attempting to kill her.