A thug from Bilston has been jailed indefinitely for leaving his ex-girlfriend on the brink of death after attacking on her while she lay in bed and slashing her throat with a razor.

Peter Hewitt, aged 43, went on a “slashing frenzy” at his ex-girlfriend Zoe Durie’s house because he refused to accept their relationship was over, a court heard. Judge Robin Onions told Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday the amount of blood on the bedding recovered from the crime scene was the worst he had seen in 16 years as a judge.

The attack in Miss Durie’s house in Wem, Shropshire, left her with a four inch-deep cut to her jugular vein and deep wounds to her arms and hands.

Doctors who treated her feared she was on the brink of death and the court heard she had been left with life-changing disabilities and only up to 40 per cent feeling back in her hands.

Hewitt admitted attempting to murder Miss Durie on June 29 last year and being in possession of a razor.

He also admitted assaulting Miss Durie causing her actual bodily harm on June 24, just days before he attempted to kill her.

Mr Delroy Henry, prosecuting, said Miss Durie wanted to end the relationship but that Hewitt would not accept it. He said Hewitt claimed he was going to kill both of them in a “suicide pact”.

Hewitt was described as a significant risk of harm to women including future partners and ex-partners and was handed an indeterminate prison sentence for public protection. He must serve at least four years and 161 days before he can apply for parole.

Mr Sean Brogan, defending, said Hewitt was remorseful for what he had done.

Police today welcomed the sentence and paid tribute to the incredible bravery of Miss Durie.

Det Sgt Niall Parker, of West Mercia Police, said: “This was a horrendous and terrifying attack on a young woman in a place where she should have felt safe – her own home.

“I have no doubt that Peter Hewitt intended to kill his victim that night. She has been incredibly brave throughout this entire ordeal and we hope the sentencing allows her to move on with her life.”