A FORMER soldier who subjected his wife to an attack with a samurai sword has been jailed for three years and eight months.
Darren Mann lashed out with a 10-inch butcher's knife before renewing his assault with the sword, slashing walls before bringing it down between the legs of his wife.
Mann then dragged wife Jette from their blood-stained home in Brechin, Angus, before continuing his rampage by chasing neighbours with the lethal weapon when they rushed to the woman's aid after hearing her screams. She was left needing reconstructive surgery as a result of the assault.
Arbroath Sheriff Court was yesterday told Mann had now been assessed by psychologists as being at "high risk of causing his wife fatal injury".
But despite this Mann's lawyer said the pair were on friendly terms and may reconcile in the future.
Mann was jailed for three years and eight months - with an extended sentence imposed meaning he will serve the same period again on licence.
Kevin Hampton, defending, said Mann was "under no illusions" he would receive a long prison sentence.
He said: "He has no recolletion at all of committing these offences."
Sheriff Gregor Murray said: "I'm required to sentence you based on the reduced charges before the court but I can't ignore the degree of recklessness and terror to those involved.
"The problem seems to have been alcohol which was identified as an issue as far back as 2001, but you didn't do anything about it."
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