A MAN from Reading has been jailed for attempted murder.
Patrick Benjamin, 43, of Lulworth Road, Reading, was sentenced to 13 years in prison at Reading Crown Court on Wednesday, February 23.
Benjamin was found guilty of one count of attempted murder at the same court on September 23, last year.
Police reported that in the days before the attack on December 11, 2020, Benjamin and his long-term partner, a woman in her thirties, had fallen out over perceived infidelities on both sides.
On the night of December 10, 2020, Benjamin’s partner would not let him sleep in their bed and he spent the night awake.
At around 6.15am the next morning, Benjamin attacked his partner with a Stanley knife as she lay in bed.
Police said that he slashed her across the neck and chest, causing at least two long slash wounds and other defensive wounds to her arms and hands.
The attack was interrupted by the victim’s teenage son when he came into the bedroom alerted by his mother’s cries.
Benjamin then left the flat and drove off. The son called 999 and the victim was treated at the scene before being taken to Royal Berkshire Hospital.
She required surgery and was discharged from hospital the next day.
Benjamin was found later on December 11, 2020, in a car park at Manor Farm, Tadley, as he had covered himself in petrol in his car and set himself and his car on fire.
The flames were put out and he was treated at the scene before being taken by air ambulance to Southampton General Hospital.
Benjamin suffered life-changing injuries and was placed into an induced coma for 22 days.
He was transferred to Salisbury District Hospital where he stayed until he was discharged, arrested and charged on January 29, 2021.
Oliver Cahill-Smith, detective sergeant of the West Berkshire Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit based at Reading police station, said: “This is a very sad case which has ripped a family apart.
“The victim and her children have been through a very traumatic experience and had to recall the terrors of that fateful morning in court during the trial.
“They showed great bravery in supporting the police to bring about this conviction and I hope the sentence can give them an element of much needed closure.
“Furthermore, I would implore any victim of crime, particularly domestic abuse, to tell us.
“If you need help, the police can help you out of a dangerous situation and will always look to bring offenders to justice.”
