Jilted man stabbed woman 15 times, court hears

The attack allegedly happened after the pair had agreed to meet to hand back gifts

A teacher stabbed another teacher after failing to accept their on-off relationship was over, a court heard.

Matthew Jones, 28, stabbed Emma Kirk, 24, about 15 times, inflicting injuries to her neck, head and face.

Bristol Crown Court heard the “angry” defendant allegedly attacked Miss Kirk in an alleyway in Bath.

The attack was so “frenzied” it took five men to drag Mr Jones, who denies attempted murder, away the court was told.

The incident happened close to Dransfield Way in Bath

Sam Jones, prosecuting, said the two had first met at university, becoming “really good friends” and later “romantically involved”.

The alleged attack took place on 26 February after Miss Kirk told Jones she did not wish to see him again, but agreed to meet to return gifts he had bought her.

Mr Jones said the defendant produced a knife and attacked her in the alleyway where they had met.

“While on the ground he stabbed her 15 times in a brutal and frenzied attack. Witnesses described him as a ‘man possessed’," he said.

An off-duty police officer, members of the public and paramedics went to assist Miss Kirk in the lane close to Dransfield Way, and administered first aid.

“But for those actions, Emma’s life would have been lost,” Mr Jones said.

'I'm a monster'

When Mr Jones was arrested, he told the police, "Don’t show me any respect. I am a monster. I don’t deserve it”, the court heard.

In the run-up to the incident, the defendant had turned up to her place of work and would message her wanting to meet up, the court heard.

“Emma Kirk made it clear she did not want a relationship. She described it as him having an unhealthy obsession with her,” Mr Jones said.

The defendant later told the police it was Miss Kirk who had brought the knife to the scene, and he had taken it from her during a struggle in which they both ended up on the floor.

Mr Jones, of Ivy Avenue, Southdown, Bath, denies charges of attempted murder and having an article with a blade or point in a public place but admits causing her grievous bodily harm with intent.

The trial continues.