A man has been convicted of assault after slashing his ex-partner’s throat in a planned attack.

William Butler, 48, of San Diego Road, attacked the woman in her 40s in a car park off Prince of Wales Road in Gosport on the afternoon of March 11.

The woman was a passenger in a vehicle. As she got out of the car, Butler approached as he was parked just two spaces away.

After a very brief exchange of words, Butler started swinging his arms at the woman who tried to escape by getting into the back seat of the car.

Once back in the vehicle, the woman realised she had a cut on her throat which was bleeding.

The driver went straight to Gosport police station and officers attended the scene to arrest Butler, where a razor blade was found on the floor next to his vehicle.

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Police said Butler had planned the attack and had been waiting in his car for more than five minutes for the woman to arrive.

Butler was charged with attempted murder, possession of a bladed article, and affray.

Butler admitted affray and possession of a bladed article at a hearing in Portsmouth Crown Court on 28 May, but denied attempted murder.

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The Gosport man was found not guilty of attempted murder but was found guilty of the alternative offence of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Butler was remanded in custody to appear at the same court for sentencing on February 17.

Gosport Inspector Sam Warne said: “Ultimately the bravery of the woman in this case – who has shown courage in the face of such a terrifying incident – has resulted in Butler being convicted of serious offences.

“To anyone who carries weapons, perpetrates domestic abuse, or any form of violence – we do not want you in our towns and cities, and we will make every effort to target perpetrators and protect victims and the wider the public from offences of this nature.”