‘Man tried to kill his partner in stabbing’

living room and ring for help.

Mr Sharp said it appeared Lilley had come to his senses because he could be heard apologising in the background.

She was taken to Leeds General Infirmary and had emergency surgery after two wounds, each between four and five centimetres, were found.

When Lilley was interviewed Mr Sharp said he maintained they had been arguing and the injuries were accidental when his partner was waving the fork and he was holding the scissors and there was some pushing and shoving. He said he had never intended any harm.

He told the jury the Crown did not accept that account and would say the injuries were inflicted deliberately.

Lilley, 29, denies attempting to murder Victoria Knapton and an alternative charge of wounding her with intent on October 1 last year.

Mr Sharp said the pair had been in an on-off relationship for about six years but by late September were arguing over Lilley drinking and not contributing money since he had lost his job in August.

After a row the previous day, he had not returned for the night. When he did return on October 1 and she said she did not want him there he said: “You know what, I’m going to murder you all.”

It was when he returned later he “determined to act on his earlier promise,” said Mr Sharp.

The trial continues.