A thug 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.

In the 2004 violence, he cut the victim's thigh "for no reason at all".

But Recorder Glen said the more serious attack was in circumstances which were difficult to understand.

"You stabbed her in the chest, causing her life threatening injuries," he said. "You stopped the car you were driving to commit that dreadful offence."

The judge said he hoped the deportation process would proceed as soon as possible.

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

John Fitzgerald, defending, said the offences and injuries were serious.

Amin wanted to leave the country, so there was no reason to impose an indeterminate sentence for public protection, he submitted.

"There will be no risk of harm in future to members of the public of Great Britain," he said. "I accept there is very little that mitigates this case."

Mr Fitzgerald said Amin eventually drove his girlfriend to hospital to get her medical attention. He also visited her in hospital.

"He came to this country in difficult circumstances," he said. "There was risk to his life in his native Iraq. Unlike some, he worked very hard and earned a decent living."

Amin had not spoken to his father for four years and did not know if he was alive.