A man who stabbed his ex-partner has been jailed for ten years at Wood Green Crown Court. Ruslan Fennich, 33 (07.01.82) a Ukrainian national of Enfield was sentenced on Monday, 14 December to ten years’ imprisonment for wounding with intent. He was also sentenced to an indefinite Restraining Order.

He had pleaded guilty on 2 November at Wood Green Crown Court. On 17 July the 31-year-old victim was at home when her then partner, Fennich, who began to question her about a message on her phone from a friend, accusing her of being unfaithful. Fennich picked up a large hunting knife and stabbed her three times, causing wounds to her arms and neck. The victim then called a friend, who drove her and Fennich to a local hospital. At the hospital the victim and Fennich informed police that the injuries were the result of a robbery.

Once police had left the hospital the victim confided in her friend and told her what had actually happened. The victim later provided a full account to police. Fennich was arrested and later charged on 19 July with wounding with intent. Judge James Patrick described this as “shocking piece of domestic violence.” and said: “it is a miracle she was not more seriously injured ” Detective Constable Ian Cleghorn, of Enfield Borough, said:

“Fennich created alternative versions of events in order to escape justice. I am grateful to the victim’s close friend who persuaded her to trust me and my colleagues. The victim’s evidence together with the exhaustive investigation of the scene meant we were able to disprove Fennich’s explanation beyond doubt.

“There are around two murders per week in the United Kingdom perpetrated by a partner or ex-partner. This could have easily been another such case. “Police in Enfield are committed to intervening in abusive relationships, protecting the victim and bringing the offender to justice.” Fennich will automatically be deported at the end of his term in prison.