A MAN who forced his way into a pregnant woman’s home and attacked her with a knife has been jailed for three years and nine months.

Winchester Crown Court heard Michael Kilby smashed his way into the property in Abbotsbury Road in Broadstone at around 11.40pm on Saturday, August 1, last year.

When he entered, the 49-year-old, of no fixed abode, punched his victim in the face while holding a key.

Kilby and the victim's partner fought on the floor before the defendant was overpowered and tied up with a dressing gown cord.

The couple attempted to escape and raise the alarm but Kilby broke free and grabbed a knife from the kitchen. He punched and kicked the woman before slashing her across the face and head.

When officers arrived and arrested Kilby, he threw the knife on the ground, laid face down and placed his hands behind his back. He was charged two days later.

The court heard that part of the ordeal was captured on a recording of a 999 call in which Kilby’s victim could be heard pleading with him to let her go. Fortunately her unborn child was unharmed during the incident.

Dorset Police said the victim and defendant were known to each other.

Kilby was sentenced yesterday after pleading guilty to counts of grievous bodily harm and criminal damage. He was found guilty of possession of a bladed article in a public place following a trial at the same court.

He was found not guilty of attempted murder and committing grievous bodily with intent against the woman and not guilty of assaulting the man.

Detective Constable Adam Carr, of Bournemouth CID, said: “Michael Kilby forced his way inside his victim’s home and he carried out a violent and sustained attack.

"She made numerous attempts to escape from him but Kilby continued to kick and punch her.

"He then grabbed a knife and set about slashing her across the head.

"I hope that the sentence handed out will bring some comfort to his victim who bravely supported the prosecution against Kilby."