Man convicted of attempting to kill partner on walk

Robert Reardon attacked his partner in Buckinghamshire

A man has been convicted of attempting to kill his partner during a woodland walk.

Robert Reardon, 31, of no fixed abode, admitted to attempted murder and possession of a bladed article at Aylesbury Crown Court on Monday.

On 23 May, Reardon stabbed his partner, a man in his 20s, in the back and throat during an attack as they walked through Burnham Beeches, Buckinghamshire.

He is scheduled to be sentenced at the same court on 4 December.

Thames Valley Police said that prior to the attack, Reardon had asked to use his partner's mobile phone.

He used it in an attempt to send a suicidal message to the victim's mother, as part of a plan to cover up his intentions.

However, the message failed to send, and the victim saw it just moments before Reardon launched the attack with a steak knife, police added.

The victim was stabbed, struck with a candle and strangled, but managed to disarm Reardon twice and escape. He then got the attention of a dog walker who called emergency services.

Det Con Connor Townsend said: "This was a horrific and sustained assault. Reardon clearly intended to kill. His guilty plea was the only appropriate outcome.

"I commend the victim's courage and hope this conviction helps him move forward.

"Domestic abuse can happen to anybody, and such violence will never be tolerated by Thames Valley Police."