A JURY has found a Newport man guilty of the attempted murder of his former partner.

Peter Adlington, aged 50, of Keene Street, Newport, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court yesterday, charged with the attempted murder of Michelle Williams. The jury in the trial of Adlington made up of four women and eight men returned a unanimous guilty verdict yesterday.

Adlington admitted stabbing Miss Williams with intent to cause grievous bodily harm but denied attempted murder.

He was accused of attempting to murder Miss Williams on November 20, 2014, at her flat in Greenwood, St Julians.

The court previously heard that Adlington stabbed Miss Williams in the chest. The prosecution's case was that Adlington had become jealous as his former partner had started online dating.

Miss Williams said Adlington had told her a few weeks before the attack 'if you break my heart I'll stab you in yours.' A comment which Adlington denied saying.

Adlington on the day of the attack visited Miss Williams at work at the Royal Gwent Hospital to give her flowers and chocolates, but she told him their relationship was over and she was seeing another man. He then went to her flat and let himself in using a key he had had cut which Miss Williams was not aware he had.

Recorder of Cardiff Judge Eleri Rees said the prosecution and defence barristers were in dispute whether Adlington came into the flat with the knife or if he grabbed it from the sink. Miss Williams said she saw him coming from the kitchen area tucking his t-shirt into the back of his trousers.

Adlington had asked to talk to Miss Williams alone and Jeff Eger, the man she was dating left the flat. Judge Rees said: "She was anticipating Mr Adlington causing trouble or starting to smash up the flat."

Adlington had asked Miss Williams to take off her coat six times. She said he tapped her chest and said 'this is where your heart is' before stabbing her in the chest.

Adlington denied both actions.

Michael Jones, prosecuting, told the court that Miss Williams 'fought for her life' during the struggle. She bit the defendant's hand in a bid to get the knife from him and stabbed Adlington in the stomach area during the struggle.

Judge Rees said: “Miss Williams said we better stop this. We are both bleeding and I want to see my grandchildren grow up.” Miss Williams' phone rang which put a stop to the incident.

Judge Rees: “Miss Williams said she still has the scar from the knife wound. When lifting anything heavy it tingles in that area.”

"In her evidence Miss Williams said he was quite controlling. He was an angry fellow and somewhat possessive."

The former couple had been in a relationship for 20 years, but it had broken down. They were still in contact and Adlington would visit the flat to run errands for Miss Williams.

Detective Constable Andrew Williams, officer in the case, said: "This was a disturbing incident involving a very possessive and controlling offender. Adlington's actions were devious and calculated and had it not been for the bravery of the victim in defending herself the incident could have had more tragic conclusion.

"The courage and dignity of the victim who endured this horrific attack must be acknowledged and commended. Her bravery in attending court and giving evidence was vital to today's positive outcome."

Adlington will be sentenced on June 1 at Cardiff Crown Court.