A MAN who launched a "savage and sustained" knife attack on his ex-girlfriend has been jailed for 13 years.
Gary Sadler, 57, was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court for wounding with intent to commit GBH and possession of a knife.
He repeatedly punched and attempted to stab Nahomi Ziraldo at her salon at the Dolphin Shopping Centre in Poole, Dorset, in August 2019, Winchester Crown Court heard.
The man, of Victoria Road, Poole, armed himself with a steak knife and launched the attack on his former partner after she opened up a beauty therapy salon on August 11 last year.
Sentencing Sadler, Judge Jane Miller QC described how the defendant attempted to stab Miss Ziraldo "many times" before punching and hitting her.
Ms Ziraldo saved herself by using martial arts skills to break the knife apart, the court heard.
Judge Jane Miller QC said the victim was fortunate to be alive.
Members of the public who heard the attack also managed to enter the premises through a fire exit and were able to stop the defendant, the court heard.
The hearing was also told that the victim suffered cuts and bruises and a damaged finger, meaning she could no longer carry out her work giving massages.
The judge said Sadler had gone to the victim's shop after she had missed an arranged meeting with him and he had become upset, believing that she had been "teasing him".
Judge Miller told the defendant: "This was a savage and sustained attack in which your victim suffered very real injuries, particularly psychological.
"You planned this attack and you took a knife to the scene and it is only by good fortune that Miss Ziraldo is still here."
Rose Burns, defending, said the incident happened after Sadler, who has previously been treated for a psychotic episode, had become subject to stress caused by his mother's death and his brother cutting off ties with him after not being a recipient of their mother's will.
Judge Miller imposed a restraining order, banning the defendant from contacting Ms Ziraldo indefinitely.
Detective Constable Ben Swain, of Bournemouth CID, said: “Gary Sadler was responsible for a vicious and frenzied attack.
"I would like to praise the victim for her bravery as this must have been a very frightening incident and it has had a significant physical and psychological impact on her life.
"I am also keen to thank the members of the public who intervened for their outstanding actions that stopped the victim from being further assaulted."
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