A man who stabbed his girlfriend in the chest, leaving her with life threatening injuries, has been jailed for 10 years.

Kawin Amin will be deported back to Iraq after he has served half the sentence.

Maidstone Crown Court heard that the 22-year-old, of Old Tovil Road, Maidstone, abused the woman for several years before knifing her.

Mr Recorder Ian Glen said the woman, who refused to give evidence against Amin, was beaten "in a number of different ways". On occasions, he used a bar and chain.

"Gradually, you robbed her of her freedom and individuality so that she was frightened to give evidence against you in this court, consistent with her police statement," he said.

"To steal somebody's dignity and self-respect as you did is a dreadful crime."

Amin denied unlawful wounding on July 10, 2004 and wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm on September 30 last year, but was convicted.

Amin's girlfriend wept in court as sentence was passed.

Read the full report at kentmessenger.co.uk >>>