Man found hiding in cupboard after stabbing woman

Cartel Collinson attacked Tracey Wilson in a "violent assault"

A man who was found hiding in a cupboard after stabbing a woman in the head has been jailed for seven years.

Cartel Collinson, 20, punched Tracey Wilson in the face and held a knife against her throat before stabbing her on the top of her head at a house in Guisborough on 26 November 2024, Cleveland Police said.

Ms Wilson, 47, "tragically died" the following month but it was not related to the attack, the force said.

Collinson, who was convicted of attempted wounding and intent to supply crack cocaine, must also serve a further three years on extended licence after being sentenced at Teesside Crown Court.

Police said Ms Wilson managed to escape the attack at the address in Woodhouse Road and reported it the following day.

When officers searched the address, they found Collinson, of Borrowby Court in Guisborough, hiding inside a cupboard, a spokesman said.

Det Con Steve Emsley said the sentencing was a "testament" to Ms Wilson's "strength and courage" in coming forward.

"It is just tragic that she is not here for this," he continued, adding he believed she would be "happy and relieved" that Collinson had been "found guilty for what he did to her".