A NEWPORT woman has told a court how her former husband tapped her chest and said "this is where your heart is" before allegedly plunging a knife into her.

Michelle Williams recounted the series of events leading up to the alleged attack by Peter Adlington as she gave evidence during his trial at Cardiff Crown Court today.

Adlington, 50, of Keene Street in Newport, stands trial charged with the attempted murder of his former partner at her flat in Newport on November 20, 2014.

He denies the charge.

Miss Williams told the jury how after the relationship ended Adlington didn't like the fact she began online dating, describing him as "quite an angry fella."

"He did say that if I slept with somebody it would break his heart and he would stab me in mine," she said.

"(But) I didn't think he seriously do that."

Miss Williams said Adlington turned up at the Royal Gwent Hospital where she works with gifts on the day of the attack and tried to kiss her.

She told him she couldn't as she was seeing someone and he left but she decided to go out the front door instead of the side door in case he was there.

She met the man she was seeing and he drove her home but when she arrived she found the light on and Adlington inside.

When she asked him how he got in, he said with a key which she took to mean he had one cut without permission.

Describing the incident Miss Williams said the defendant tapped her in the chest and said "this is where your heart is," before allegedly stabbing her with her own kitchen knife.

She told the court she never thought Adlington would carry out his threats.

"Initially I just thought I've broken his heart - I didn't think for one minute he would try and stab me," she said.

"It happened really quickly - I just felt a thump in the chest.

"The only thought in my head was "I have to get out of this," she added.

The jury also heard her describe how she was able to remove the knife from Adlington and stab him in self defence.

Miss Williams said the alleged attack only stopped when her mobile phone rang.

Adlington left and she called herself an ambulance, she said.

She says she still has the scar today.

Of the relationship she added:"In my heart I wanted it ended."

Proceeding.