Man who slashed ex-girlfriend's face given 14-year jail term
A man who left an ex-partner with a six-inch scar on her face when he slashed her with a flick knife outside a nightclub has been jailed for 14 years.
Martel Stirling’s victim told police that the 30-year-old had started a physical fight with her at a club back in March.
Ten days later she was at the Jam Roc Sports Lounge in Hackett Street, Hockley, Birmingham, when she again saw Stirling, with whom she had previously had a year-long relationship.
As she stood outside the club at around 2.25am, Stirling called out to her before pulling a black-handled flick knife from his waistband and slashing the left side of her head and face.
She needed surgery and stitches to the wound which caused nerve damage and left her with a visible scar across her forehead.
Stirling initially told police that although he owned such a knife he believed it was in storage.
But when officers arrested him at his partner’s home they found a black-handled flick knife.
Stirling, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 14 years in prison last week after being convicted of wounding causing grievous bodily harm at Birmingham Crown Court.
Pc Andy Carnall, from the public protection unit at West Midlands Police, said: "This was a terrifying attack for Stirling’s victim, who has been left permanently scarred and for all those who witnessed it that night.
“We take knife crime incredibly seriously and hope this lengthy sentence will act as a deterrent to anyone considering carrying or using any sort of blade."
