JEALOUS MAN JAILED AFTER STABBING PARTNER NEAR NORWICH

A jealous man drugged his partner and then took her to fishing lakes near Norwich where he stabbed her to the neck in a terrifying struggle and then tried to kill himself by taking an overdose, a court heard yesterday.Michael Brown, 53, who was suffering from severe depression at the time and had a history of mental health problems, was jealous that his partner Susan Moon was still on friendly terms with her ex-husband. After writing farewell letters to his family and ex-wife, he drugged Ms Moon and then drove her to fishing lakes near Rackheath, Norwich Crown Court was told.Hugh Vass, prosecuting, said that the victim had a 'blurred recollection' of what happened but got a superficial stab wound to her neck and Brown, who took a number of diazepam tablets, was found lying on his back unconscious. Both were taken to hospital, and Ms Moon was found to have a wound to her neck and several minor cuts.Mr Vass noted: "His behaviour was clearly bizarre but we don't know whether he was intending to take his life or not."Brown, with no fixed address, admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Ms Moon on May 28 this year and was sentenced to five and a half years in prison. The court also heard he had a previous conviction in 1994 for assaulting another former partner.Judge Peter Jacobs told him that he had drugged Ms Moon and taken her somewhere she did not wish to go, adding: "She was absolutely terrified, saying she did not wish to die." The judge said that both had made a full physical recovery, but Ms Moon still suffers nightmares and flashbacks, making her suspicious about future relationships.Judge Jacobs highlighted that Brown has severe mental health issues, including depression, and that he is a "thoroughly broken man" who is on anti-depressants and suffering from Bell's palsy, expressing remorse for his actions. He also imposed a restraining order preventing Brown from contacting Ms Moon.Michael Clare, appearing for Brown, described him as "particularly depressed at the time" and stated that the knife used was from Brown's fishing gear, noting that the injury was not serious. Clare emphasized Brown's lifelong history of mental health difficulties and his remorse, stating that he is a "thoroughly broken man" suffering from depression and Bell's palsy.