This is Staffordshire --A THUG jailed for stabbing the teenage mother of his child 20 times with kitchen scissors after she dumped him has persuaded judges to reduce his sentence.
Ashley Damien Barker launched a 'frenzied' attack on his ex-girlfriend having discharged himself from hospital after a suicide bid.
The 25-year-old, of Uttoxeter Road, Meir, was handed a 15-year sentence – made up of 10 years custody and five on licence in the community – after he pleaded guilty to wounding with intent at Wolverhampton Crown Court in October last year.
But senior judges at London's Court of Appeal yesterday upheld an appeal by Barker and cut his custodial term to seven years while retaining his five-year licence period.
Lord Justice Moore-Bick said the relationship between 'strong and well-built' Barker and his then 19-year-old girlfriend was 'beset with bouts of anger and aggression towards her.'
Barker tried to overdose on drugs after she ended the relationship in May last year.
He then tracked her to her mother's house and launched into an attack, putting his hands around her neck and squeezing until she lost consciousness, the judge added.
When the girl's mother returned home with her partner, Barker locked them out, but they managed to get in through an open window.
The judge said: "The mother's partner described Barker as being in a frenzy, stabbing the girl with a pair of kitchen scissors."
The teenager received 20 wounds to her back, chest, thigh and neck, although none required stitches.
Barker had committed previous offences of assault causing actual bodily harm in 2007 and affray in 2010. But Barker's lawyers said the 10-year custodial term was too harsh and failed to reflect the largely minor injuries inflicted.
Lord Justice Moore-Bick, sitting with Mr Justice Wilkie and Mr Justice Leggatt, said: "Despite the serious and sustained nature of this attack, the victim's injuries were not really serious. Although she received many stab wounds, none fortunately were very deep and all have since turned out to be capable of treatment.
"We take the view that the right starting point in this case was 10 years imprisonment. In these circumstances the custodial element of that sentence will be reduced to seven years to reflect the early guilty plea. The period of extension will remain at five years, making an extended sentence of 12 years in all."
A restraining order banning Barker from contacting his ex remains in place. Reported by This is 12 hours ago.