A MAN who launched a frenzied knife attack on his first bride had already served a prison sentence for murdering his subsequent wife, a court heard yesterday.

Kenneth Milroy, 52, was jailed for life at Newcastle Crown Court in 1995 for strangling his wife Kathleen.

He served 11 years behind bars before being released on licence in March this year.

After gaining his freedom, Milroy is believed to have attempted a reconciliation with his first wife, Lynne Bell.

But on August 8 this year, he stabbed her eight times as she lay sunbathing in her garden in Larchwood Gardens, Gateshead.

Milroy pleaded guilty to wounding Ms Bell with intent during a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday.

A charge of attempted murder was dropped after he admitted the lesser charge.

The court heard the couple had exchanged text messages in the week leading up to the stabbing.

Defence barrister Paul Sloan QC said: "There were text messages passing between the parties during the course of the week leading up to this event."

Mr Sloan said he wished to see Ms Bell's telephone and have a chance to read the text messages before Milroy receives an inevitable life sentence.

Mr Sloan said: "It may proivde some explanation for what triggered the events on the day in question."

Milroy will be sentenced on November 19 after the preparation of reports.

Mr Justice Andrew Smith remanded him in custody.

Milroy had previously served nine years behind bars for strangling Kathleen Milroy, 33, in a late-night row before being released on licence in March. The row had started when Kathleen refused to leave a pub, saying she was enjoying herself so much she wanted to stay.

But the couple later argued on their way home to Brighton Road, Gateshead, and the angry scene ended with the then-42-year-old Milroy forcing his wife into a lane and throttling her.

Milroy admitted murder and was jailed for life.

Judge Angus Stroyan said the couple's relationship had been stormy and often ended in rows when they had been drinking. Medical reports at the time indicated Milroy was an intensely jealous man whose temper often got the better of him.