A jealous knifeman slashed his ex-girlfriend's Tinder date while the pair slept in bed. Derek Malcolm, 34, let himself into his former lover's home before brutally attacking her date, reports Manchester Evening News.
Manchester Crown Court heard that Malcolm and his ex-partner had been in a relationship for eight years, which was not without conflict. In 2018, the 34-year-old had been pulled up in court for attacking the woman during a row.
A year later the pair split for good. Shortly after, the woman had agreed to go on a date with a man she met on Tinder and the duo went for drinks in Bury town centre before returning back to her home.
The pair slept in the same bed, until the early hours of the morning, when the attack occurred. The man, who had previously served in the army, awoke on August 7 2021 to find he was being repeatedly punched in the face by Malcom.
The defendant, fuelled up on drink and drugs, then left the room before returning moments later armed with a kitchen knife.
His ex-girlfriend begged him to stop but he pushed her out of the way and she collided with a piano. The 34-year-old then attacked his victim slashing him in the face and leaving a 'large wound'.
Malcolm only stopped his attack when his ex jumped on him and he left her house shortly after. The police were then called and officers seized the knife.
Following the attack, the defendant then began to abuse his ex for calling the police, calling her a 'rat', a 'grass' and as 'vermin', prosecutor Alaric Bassano said. He then 'threatened' her and ordered the pair to not co-operate with police.
Defending, Adam Roxborough said there is a 'different side' to Malcolm, who had fallen into the 'wrong crowd' after a career as a 'successful footballer' in his youth. But Judge Manley told Malcolm: "Many people have personal difficulties and setbacks in their lives.
"There is nothing in your past that can possibly begin to explain and justify how you have turned out in terms of your violent and controlling behaviour." In a statement, Malcolm's victim said: "I was in the armed forces for nine years and I have never been scared of anything, but this happening to me has had a really bad effect on me.
"I have seen some horrendous things throughout my life and certainly my time in the army, including the loss of friends and those friends losing their lives in front of me. I have never been scared, and things have never affected me in the way that this has.
"This has scared me more than anything I have ever experienced in my life." A psychiatrist has said he probably has post traumatic stress disorder.
At trial, Malcolm was found guilty of wounding with intent, assault and perverting the course of justice. Sentencing Judge Hilary Manley said. "She had moved on with her life and begun dating other men.
"You could not accept that and you would not stand for it." Malcolm was sentenced to an extended sentence, comprising of 13 years in prison and an additional five years on licence.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
