Man jailed for stabbing former partner

Piotr Kowalski

A 26-year-old man has today, Friday 18 July 2008 ,been sentenced to six years imprisonment at Bolton Crown Court after he admitted repeatedly stabbing his ex-girlfriend in Rochdale.

Piotr Kowalski (born 17/07/81) of no fixed address, admitted a charge of Section 18 assault at Bolton Crown Court last month.

Shortly after midnight on 19 June 2007, Anna Fraczeka had just parked up on St James Street, Heywood, when she spotted Piotr Kowalski coming towards her. Anna locked the door and tried, unsuccessfully, to restart the car.

Kowalski smashed the driver's side window with his fist, leaned into the car and put the knife to Anna's throat. She cut the thumb on her left hand as she tried to move the blade. Kowalski then repeatedly stabbed her in the stomach and chest. She moved over to the passenger seat of the car in a bid to escape but was stabbed again.

Kowalski then passed Anna his mobile phone and she called an ambulance before losing consciousness.

Anna was taken to Fairfield Hospital and received treatment to six stab wounds, two to her sternum, one to the left side of her back, one to her right upper arm, left thumb and lower left abdomen.

Detective Sergeant Rebecca Matthews of Rochdale CID said: "Anna was subjected to a frenzied knife attack and was fortunate not to be killed. This was a pre-planned and violent assault. This case shows a clear history of abuse, escalating in severity and nearly ending with the loss of a young life. If you are in an abusive relationship, consider that the abuser's behaviour will only get worse.

"It is important to realise that if victims do not take action against an abuser, it is likely to happen again and again.

"It is not uncommon for abusers to start with emotional abuse, making a victim feel worthless and weak so that when the violence starts they don't have the strength to leave.

"If you or someone you know is involved in an abusive relationship please seek help before it is too late. Police can now act on information or evidence from a victim's friends and family. If your friend or family member is a victim please encourage them to seek help, providing them with the support they need to take positive steps away from their abuser."