A man who stabbed his partner in his eye, chest and back has been jailed.

Michael Summerville, 55, carried out a "vicious and unprovoked attack" in the St Albans city centre in November.

Police were called to St Peter's Street in the early hours on November 27 to reports of a man that had multiple stab wounds.

When they arrived they found Summerville's partner at the time, who had three stabs wound in total - one in his eye, chest and back.

He was taken by air ambulance to a hospital in London where he received specialist treatment.

Fortunately his injuries were not life threatening, but to this day, the victim suffers problems with his eye with police adding the attack has had a huge impact on his mental health.

Shortly after the attack, Summerville was caught on CCTV ditching the knife he used to stab his partner into a drain. He was arrested a short while later.

After pleading guilty section 18 wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, Summerville, of no fixed address, was jailed at St Albans Crown Court on March 3 for nine years and nine months.

Detective Constable Richard Staff who investigated the case said: "The victim sustained horrific injuries in what was a vicious, unprovoked attack.

"Thankfully, he has since recovered, but still suffers with some eye complications and of course the emotional trauma of what happened to him.

“As well as the impact on his physical health, Summerville’s actions have had a huge impact on his mental health.

"No one should ever have to experience abuse from their partner, or live in fear. We hope this result gives him some peace of mind, and serves as some sort of closure for him.

“I hope Summerville now uses his time in prison to reflect on what he did, and also that this sentence sends a strong and clear message to anyone considering carrying a knife.

"If you use a knife as a weapon, we will use all the powers at our disposal to bring you to justice and you can expect to be sent to prison.

“Regardless of the fact that it’s illegal, carrying a knife poses very real risks and serious consequences.

"Not only do you risk a custodial sentence for possession of a knife, but you could end up causing serious harm to someone, taking someone’s life or losing your own.”

If you are a victim of domestic abuse you can go to hertssunflower.org/herts-sunflower.aspx for advice and support or call Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline on 08 088 088 088.