Spurned lover faces jail after stabbing frenzy.

COURT: Angus man Gordon Ayre sent down after launching savage assault on former girlfriend in Dundee shop

A spurned lover who repeatedly stabbed his former partner moments after asking her for “one last hug” has been jailed for four years.

Gordon Ayre, 54, attacked Mariana Mreana shortly after she told him that their seven-year relationship was over.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard how Ayre repeatedly plunged a blade into her breast and abdomen during the frenzied assault at their workplace, the Select Wallpaper store on Ainslie Street, Dundee.

He also cut her on her left arm and the middle finger on her left hand during the attack.

Mariana, who was left permanently scarred, was rushed to Ninewells Hospital for treatment.

Last month Ayre, of Montrose, pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting Mariana to her severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of her life on August 2 2017.

Sentence had been deferred for the court to obtain reports.

Yesterday, defence solicitor advocate Gordon Martin said his client “deeply loved” the victim and that he regretted attacking Mariana.

But judge Lord Woolman said the only suitable disposal available to the court was jail.

Passing sentence, Lord Woolman said: “You struck your partner at least seven times with the knife. That is a very serious crime.

“As a result of the attack, she sustained puncture wounds to her left breast, abdomen and left arm. She also suffered a laceration to her left middle finger. She has been left with permanent scars.

“It is fortunate that you do not appear on a more serious charge.”

Ayre, who has no previous convictions, also pleaded guilty to a charge of breaching bail by sending text messages to Mariana on August 24 2017.

Mr Martin told the court that his client was abused as a child but had become a useful member of the community before the assault.

Mr Martin also said that Ayre regretted his actions and that this regret prompted him to plead guilty to the charge at the earliest opportunity.

He added: “He accepts that the only realistic option available to the court is custody. He wants to bring the matter to an end.

“He was clearly deeply in love with this lady. He couldn’t cope with her desire to bring the relationship to an end. He clearly regrets his actions.”

Lord Woolman said that Ayre would have been jailed for six years if he had not pleaded guilty.

Gordon Ayre claimed he still loved his victim and regretted the attack.