05/07/2006

Policeman jailed for attack on ex-wife

A policeman who attacked his ex-wife and attempted to saw through her neck in a fit of jealous rage has been jailed for 12 years.

John Kelly, 45, had pleaded guilty to attempting to murder Audrey McDowall, 43, last September at an earlier hearing.

The court heard how Kelly, an officer with Dumfries and Galloway Police, had rammed Ms McDowall's car as she drove towards her home in Marchfield, Dumfries.

Kelly then jumped into Ms McDowall's car and attacked her, first throttling her and then sawing at her neck with a saw he brought from his car.

Ms McDowall was left with a 6in wound, which narrowly missed both her cartoid artery and internal jugular vein. She was left permanently scarred by the attack.

Ms McDowall was saved by another police officer who witnessed the attack and intervened.

At sentencing at the High in Edinburgh, Lord Carloway said that Kelly remained a danger to Ms McDowall. He sentenced him to 12 years in jail, as well as a further period of six years under supervision.

Outside the court, reporters were read a brief statement on behalf of Ms McDowall which said: "I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who had helped me through an extremely difficult period.

"I have no wish to comment on the sentence at this time and would ask that I be allowed to come to terms with what has happened."

(KMcA)

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