A man has been jailed after inflicting his ex-partner to 17 knife wounds in a shocking attack at her workplace.

Anwar Ashraf, 39, of no fixed abode, appeared at Winchester Crown Court today (5 June) where he was sentenced to 26 years.

He was convicted of attempted murder on 27 March after a trial at Winchester Crown Court.

The court heard how on 30 April 2025 the victim, a woman in her 40s, was at work in Whiteley when she was told Ashraf had turned up outside.

The victim walked him away from the building before letting herself back in and pushing him away to stop him following her back in.

The court then heard how in a frenzied attack, Ashraf pulled out a knife and stabbed her multiple times.

She sustained stab wounds to her chest, back, foot, and stomach. As well as defensive injuries to her arms.

A member of the public bravely confronted Ashraf and detained him awaiting for police. They disarmed him and kicked the weapon away, which was later seized by attending officers.

Other people provided urgent first-aid to the victim.

Ashraf was today jailed for 26 years in jail, and will serve a further five years on license. He will not be eligible for parole for 17 years.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Spratt said: “The victim’s injuries in this case were shocking and her recovery has been remarkable. She was subject to a level of violence nobody should have to face, and I am pleased the sentence passed today reflects the gravity of Ashraf’s actions.

“I’d like to thank the investigators who have helped us to build this case, the officers that attended and provided immediate help to the victim, and the victim herself for helping us to secure justice and ensuring that Ashraf cannot subject anyone to violence like this in our communities.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to commend those heroic individuals who stepped in and provided first-aid to the victim, and those who bravely detained Ashraf. You played a huge part in saving the victim’s life, and we are all grateful for your actions on that day.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary make it clear that nobody – whether that be a woman, a man or a child – should ever be subjected to domestic abuse within an environment that they perceive to be a safe space.

We understand that it is not always easy to report incidents of this nature to us, especially when you have to re-live any trauma faced at the hands of an abuser, however we encourage victims to come forward and report incidents to us.

We are absolutely clear that we do not tolerate any form of domestic abuse or violence at all. Individuals who are intending to behave in this way and commit these offences will be found and will be stopped.

If you are being abused, or you know someone that is, please call 101 and report it to police, or make a report online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website. If it is an emergency, dial 999 immediately.

You can find out more details about how to report domestic abuse via our website, below; https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/how-to-report-domestic-abuse/