A man who stabbed a woman in the neck seven times before stabbing a passer-by who courageously intervened has been jailed.

Thomas Foley, 37, (21.8.80) of no fixed abode was sentenced to life imprisonment on Friday, 8 December to serve a minimum of six years for the brutal assault and attempted kidnap of a man and woman known to him.

London Crown Court heard how on 7 April, Foley travelled by car from Lowestoft, where he was staying, to London armed with two knives with the intention of kidnapping people he knew from Winchelsea Road, Tottenham N17.

When he arrived at the address in Tottenham, Foley began attacking a 47-year-old woman, stabbing her seven times in the neck.

A man in his 30s who was passing-by and unknown to either party bravely intervened and detained Foley before he could inflict any further injuries.

At this stage another man aged 18, from the address in Tottenham, also helped to detain Foley and was stabbed twice in the process.

Police and London Ambulance Service attended the location and the victim was given first aid before being taken to hospital. She has now made a full recovery.

Foley had pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court to GBH with intent, attempted kidnap, ABH and possession of an offensive weapon on 18 September.

DC William Spencer of Haringey CID said: “This was a brutal attack in a quiet residential street. Domestic violence in any form will not be tolerated and a dangerous offender has been brought to justice.

“I would like to praise the bravery of the local ‘good Samaritan’ that undoubtedly saved the victim’s life.”