Jealous ex-boyfriend ruined violinist's career in knife rage

Paul Mullan, 23, flipped after seeing ex-lover Claire Simpson with male friend Nicholas Sheehan outside her home in East End Park, Leeds.

He left her hands so badly injured that she will never be able teach violin again and was left permanently scarred, a court heard.

Miss Simpson, 21, had to be resuscitated in hospital following the vicious attack, which left deep wounds to her hands which ruined her music career, Leeds Crown Court was told.

She had to have major surgery to repair muscles and nerves damaged in the attack.

Her friend Mr Sheehan was also stabbed in the incident.

Leeds Crown Court heard that Miss Simpson had split up with "jealous" Mullan after a five-year relationship, some days before the attack.

Mullan had been hiding in Miss Simpson's back garden on the night of August 25 last year.

He later told police that a "red mist descended" as he ran after them shouting.

As the terrified pair tried to lock themselves into the house, Mullan used a concrete garden ornament to smash the lounge window and climbed in.

He armed himself with a kitchen knife and grabbed Mr Sheehan by the throat.

Miss Mullan, who had locked herself into the toilet, was screaming: "Paul leave him, he's only a friend" but Mullan stabbed Mr Sheehan in the back before hitting him three times over the head with the garden ornament.

Mullan then took two knives and used both of them to attack Miss Simpson.

Barrister Jonathan Sharp, prosecuting, told the court: "He inflicted multiple full thickness lacerations together with deep defensive cuts to both her hands causing severe damage to muscles and nerves of her left hand."

Mr Sheehan then came round and managed to restrain Mullan, who had by this stage picked up a third knife and tried to go back for Miss Simpson who had called the police. He then fled, police arrived and both victims were taken to hospital by ambulance.

Miss Simpson had to be resuscitated and had major surgery to nerves and muscles on her hand.

She also had multiple injuries to the back of her head and will have permanent scarring.

Mr Sheehan suffered a stab wound to his back and multiple cuts to his hands and face.

The Recorder of Leeds Peter Collier QC sentenced Mullan to imprisonment for public protection with a minimum period of four years before he can be considered for parole.

Mullan, of Queensthorpe Close, Bramley, Leeds admitted two counts of wounding with intent.