A violent attacker was sentenced to four years in prison after slitting his ex-girlfriend's throat with a Stanley knife.

Daniel O'Donnell, 28, from south Lambeth, was handed the sentence at Kingston Crown Court on Monday, December 22, after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing.

He went to his 25-year-old victim's flat in Battersea on July 17, where he leaped from a balcony and climbed in through the bathroom window.

O'Donnell began to punch and slap her in front of her young children before pulling a tumble-drier across the doorway to prevent anyone getting in.

She was able to phone her father for help and when police arrived they found the door barricaded and O'Donnell threatening to kill the woman.

When officers tried to talk to him and calm him down he began attacking his ex-girlfriend, with whom his relationship had broken down, with a Stanley knife, causing injuries to her throat and the back of her neck.

Officers stormed the property, having heard the woman's screams, and arrested O'Donnell.

The victim was treated for her injuries and made a full recovery, while her children were not harmed.

O'Donnell was charged with grievous bodily harm and threats to kill before being sentenced this week.

Detective Constable Bally Uppal, of Wandsworth Community Safety Unit, said: "This victim was attacked in her home and in front of her young children, a despicable crime.

"Police have continued to offer her support throughout this investigation and thankfully she has made a full recovery.

"Domestic violence is intolerable, and we are determined to bring those responsible to justice.

"I must also pay tribute to the officers who attended the scene.

"Those officers put themselves at risk of harm, but they intervened to save the victim from further harm.

"They acted in the best traditions of the service."

O'Donnell will spend four years in prison and will then be released on extended licence for a further four years.