Man who stabbed ex-girlfriend while she worked in Rutherglen Tesco to be jailed

A man who tried to kill his ex-girlfriend while she was working in a supermarket will be jailed.

Ben Jenkins was caught in the aisles of the Tesco store in Rutherglen, Lanarkshire looking for Louise McGarry last July.

The 35-year-old then entered a staff area and attacked Louise, who had been trying to hide from him.

Jenkins then repeatedly stabbed the 25-year-old and was only halted when the victim's colleagues leapt on him.

Jenkins - who already had a string of offences involving ex-partners - pled guilty to an attempted murder charge at the High Court in Glasgow.

He will be sentenced next month.

Wounds to neck, stomach and arm

The pair began dating February 2022, but split in late June of that year.

On the day of the attack, Louise told a colleague that Jenkins had been "constantly messaging" her.

Louise had warned him to "back off" or she was calling the police.

Around 1pm, Jenkins, of Johnstone, Renfrewshire, was then captured on CCTV entering the Tesco.

Louise - who worked in the bakery section - was told her ex was in the shop.

Minutes later, Jenkins went into the staffroom of the bakery department clutching a multi-tool knife, insisting he only "wanted to say hello".

Jenkins also yanked up Louise's top and stabbed her in the stomach. He further ripped out her hearing implant.

Jenkins is also hearing impaired.

He was held by the Tesco workers until police arrived as other staff gave Louise first aid, and customers were evacuated from the store.

Louise was rushed to hospital - she suffered wounds to her neck, stomach and arm.

Expected lengthy sentence

The judge praised the actions of Louise's workmates during the terrifying incident.

He told Jenkins: "I give public commendation to Angela McIlroy and Scott McNally, who intervened and restrained you from inflicting further injuries on your victim.

"You are fortunate that you are not facing a charge of murder."

Jenkins - via a sign language interpreter - stated from the dock: "I know, I know...I feel bad."

The judge went on: "The actions of her colleagues prevented you facing murder.

"You can expect a lengthy sentence of imprisonment."

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