A jilted father who attacked his ex-partner with a claw-hammer has been found not guilty of attempted murder.

However, Alex Weston, 43, was jailed for eight years today after pleading guilty to the lesser charge of wounding with intent.

The ex-IT specialist stood accused of trying to kill Toni Sullivan, 36, in a sustained premeditated assault.

Weston set upon the mother to his two children at her home in Croft Side, Vigo, in the early hours of September 4.

A victim impact statement read out in court by Judge Simon James, said: “I have never been scared of anything, now I am scared of everything.

“Since the incident I’m free of his control. I never thought for a second Alex would try to kill me or do something as serious as he did.

“In that one moment my life has been shattered in many ways, thankfully I have great support, but I will never forget that evening.”

Sat 10 meters from the judge, Weston did not look at him while the evidence was read.

Prosecuting barrister Peter Forbes claimed the attack, which took place shortly after midnight, was attempted murder-suicide.

His argument centred on Weston’s use of the dangerous weapon to “rain down blows” on Miss Sullivan.

He also pointed the finger at Weston’s 15-minute taxi ride to the victim’s home and social media searches moments before the attack.

But Weston's barrister Laurence Imrie told the jury his client didn't try to kill the mother to his two children, otherwise he would have used "brutal force".

Mr Imrie maintained her injuries were “moderate” not severe and highlighted the victim was discharged from hospital the same day.

Judge James called the attack: “A sickening calculated attack on your former partner.”

He added: “The pre-meditated attack, with a ferocious weapon, are all factors of higher culpability.”

On sentencing, Judge James added Weston, previously of good character, had shown remorse during the trial.

Three weeks after telling Weston she was in a new relationship, Miss Sullivan was woken by loud banging and her phone showed a missed call.

After answering the door, Weston, of Church Fields in West Malling smashed the weapon into the back of his 36-year-old ex’s head.

The second blow landed above her left eye causing the mother to his children to “slide down the wall”.

Weston, who told the court he was “deeply depressed” at the time, struck out three more times.

Miss Sullivan claims she wrestled the hammer, however, Weston said he deliberately dropped the weapon.

When officers located Weston walking along the A227 at 5.40am the same morning, he said he had taken a painkiller overdose, the court heard.

Meanwhile, Miss Sullivan directed police and paramedics to the suspect’s home fearing their children had been killed.

However, police found them asleep near what Mr Forbes described as a “suicide note.”

The handwritten message read: “I’m very sorry I have had to go out and leave you. I’m a rubbish daddy, I can’t cope with you on my own, I love you both so much forever.”

Detective Constable Jackie Curtis, Kent Police’s investigating officer for the case, said: "This was a cowardly and pre-meditated attack against a woman who was clearly defenceless.

"The victim showed a tremendous amount of courage to stand up against a man who subjected her to a horrifying ordeal.

"I hope she can find some comfort and reassurance from the fact Weston has faced justice and is unable to cause any further harm to her."

To read more of our in depth coverage of all of the major trials coming out of crown and magistrates' courts across the county, click here.

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