Essex man sentenced to sentenced 19 years for attempted murder
The man admitted attempted murder in January
James Reilly, from Southend, has been sentenced to 17 years behind bars and 2 on extended license for attempted murder.
In July last year, Reilly entered a ground-floor bedroom, where a woman was sleeping, armed with a hammer and knife.
Reilly stabbed the victim multiple times and she was taken to hospital having sustained life-changing injuries.
Officers responded to an emergency call within minutes and arrived to find Reilly in the street.
The 30-year-old, of Guildford Road, Southend was arrested and subsequently charged with attempted murder, possession of a pointed/bladed article, criminal damage and racially/religiously aggravated harassment alarm or distress.
He admitted to each of the charged at Southend Crown Court in January.
Today he was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court.
In a previous statement, Detective Inspector Kevin Hughes, who led the investigation, said: “I have no doubt Reilly was intent on killing his victim that day but thanks to the 999 calls made by members of the public and people in her house, officers were on the scene within minutes and were able to safely detain him and the evidence gathered throughout the investigation left him with no option but to admit to his actions.
“At the very least, his admissions mean that our victim will not have to relive her experience throughout a trial.
“Reilly now faces a considerable prison sentence, which I truly hope will be of some comfort to the woman.”