POLICE have praised the bravery of the victim of an attempted murder who stood up to her attacker in court.

Mark Lally had denied trying to kill his victim and went to trial, telling jurors at Oxford Crown Court he had 'flipped' before the attack but he didn't want her dead.

After more than seven hours of deliberations he was found guilty of attempted murder, an attack prosecutors described as 'vicious' and leading to 'horrific' life-threatening injuries.

For the violence which took place in Abingdon on November 27 last year he was jailed on Wednesday for life, with a minimum term of 11 years and three months.

READ AGAIN: The full report from the sentencing hearing.

Speaking after the sentencing hearing detective Sergeant Neil Anns, of St Aldate's police station, praised the victim.

He said: “This was a horrific case in which the victim has not yet recovered from her injuries. I would like to thank her for her bravery in standing up against her attacker and giving evidence against him.

“Lally admitted to stabbing the victim but denied attempting to murder her, but having heard the facts of the case the jury came to the unanimous conclusion he had intended to murder the victim.

“I pay tribute to the efforts of the jury in hearing the case, the CPS for presenting the case, and our police officers for their diligent work in investigating the offence.

"Special praise also goes to the responding officers who the judge and medical staff recognise saved the victim's life through prompt first aid.

“This conviction shows Thames Valley Police will work tirelessly to protect victims of such incidents and bring offenders to justice, and the force will investigate and work collaboratively with the CPS to present cases for trial."