A MAN has been found guilty of attempting to murder his ex-partner in a fit of rage after finding a condom wrapper in her bin.
Christopher Blakemore stabbed Amy Johnson 31 times in front of their young son when he forced his way into her home following a row over cash.
The six-foot six defendant caused Miss Johnson multiple stab wounds to her neck, shoulders, chest, stomach and thighs before managing to lock herself in the bathroom and call 999.
Teesside Crown Court heard how she was 'one very lucky lady' after all mayor organs and arteries were missed during the frenzied attack.
Miss Johnson, who suffered a punctured lung, was interviewed by police from her hospital bed.
Jolyon Perks, prosecuting, had said Blakemore's account of what happened on October 13, 2019, at Miss Johnson's home on Marske Lane, Bishopsgarth, Stockton, did not stack up with the weight of the evidence examined by forensic specialist Nicola Taylor and pathologist Dr Jennifer Bolton.
Miss Johnson told jurors that the 33-year-old turned up at her back door asking for money and when she turned him away he lost his temper, forced his way into her home before knocking her to the ground and stabbing her.
Blakemore, of Ammerston Road, Middlesbrough, denied attempting to murder her or cause her grievous bodily harm, maintaining that he acted in self-defence.
Jurors convicted the 33-year-old after four hours of deliberation.
He will return to court to be sentenced in February.
Judge Jonathan Carroll ordered that a psychiatric report should be compiled before Blakemore's next appearance in court.
He said: "I also require, from the probations service, a pre-sentence report to assess the question of your dangerousness.
"In the meantime, you are remanded in custody to be sentenced on February 25.
"Take him down please."
Speaking after the verdict, Detective Chief Inspector Deb Fenny, of Cleveland Police, said: “The court heard that this was a harrowing attack, carried out in front of the victim’s child. The police officer who attended the 999 call provided essential assistance until paramedics arrived and the severity of the victim’s injuries was clear.
“Blakemore caused these horrific injuries after forcibly entering the victim’s home and the suffering she and her child experienced will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
“I’d like to thank DC Andrew Cartwright for leading a diligent investigation which brought this matter to court and the officers who have supported the victim and her child throughout the process. We hope that this result will help them to start to rebuild their lives.”
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