Man stabbed himself in the stomach after relationship ended

Michael Virando subjected the woman to a month of harassment in which he came to her home, bombarded her with texts and emails and sent her unwanted presents.

The harassment came to a head on May 23 when Virando entered the mother of two’s home in Christchurch while she was out, got into her bed, and stabbed himself in the stomach.

She later arrived home to find the defendant “bleeding profusely” and with a “blank expression” on his face – leaving her “horrified”.

Virando, 62 and of West End in Spetisbury, appeared for sentencing at Bournemouth Crown Court on August 30 having pleaded guilty to harassment and possessing a bladed article.

Tom Wright, prosecuting, told the court that Virando and the woman had previously engaged in a relationship that ended between February and March this year.

Bournemouth Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

However, the defendant continued to pursue contact with her. Mr Wright said: “By April, she had made it abundantly clear that his ongoing attentions towards her were unwelcome and unsettling.”

Between May 1 and 23, Virando constantly attempted to contact the woman. When she blocked his number he would email her instead, the court heard.

On May 23, the victim was preparing to take her two children on holiday to France.

While she was out, an intoxicated Virando entered the home, likely with a key he had kept or copied, and was equipped with a large kitchen knife he had purchased.

Mr Wright explained that the woman returned home with a cleaner and painter she had hired to carry out work while she was on holiday.

Upon walking upstairs, “she was horrified to discover Mr Virando in her bed bleeding profusely from some self-inflicted wounds”, Mr Wright said.

The defendant spent three days in hospital but his injuries ultimately turned out to be minor, with the wounds missing all major organs.

“This was conduct maximising fear and distress,” Mr Wright said.

“It had a far-reaching impact on [the victim and her children and] caused a great deal of distress on their lives.”

Michael Virando was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

The victim was left with anxiety after the ordeal and her eldest child was said to be “petrified” of Virando.

Aleks Lloyd, mitigating, said the defendant had development an “obsession” with his ex-girlfriend and was “very disturbed” at the time of the incident.

He said: “There was plainly something going on, some kind of breakdown.

“It has been a salutary lesson into what this kind of behaviour results in.

“He just wants her to be told that he is sorry.”

Mr Lloyd also explained that Virando had sought professional help, was returning to work, and was back with his wife of 16 years.

Because the defendant had been remanded in custody for 51 days before being bailed, Judge William Mousley KC said a custodial sentence had been “effectively served”.

Virando was handed an 18-month community order and a restraining order preventing any contact with his victim for three years.