Man who electrocuted ex-partner jailed for 24 years

A man who tried to kill his former partner by electrocuting and stabbing her, leaving her with four skull fractures and burns, has been jailed for 24 years.

In September 2025, Ashley Hudson, 40, of Southwell Close, March, in Cambridgeshire, was told that the relationship was over. He agreed to move out by 13 October.

But four days before he was due to leave, he used a homemade taser-style device to shock his victim while she slept before repeatedly stabbing her in the face and head during a frenzied attack. He told her he would "rather kill her than leave her".

Hudson was sentenced on Friday at Peterborough Crown Court after he was found guilty of attempted murder.

Det Sgt Steve Ward, of Cambridgeshire Police, said: "The victim suffered significant physical and emotional trauma, yet throughout this investigation she has shown remarkable courage and resilience.

"Her bravery in supporting the prosecution has been instrumental in securing this conviction."

He added: "I hope this sentence provides the victim with a sense of justice and allows her to move forward with her life, knowing Hudson can no longer harm her."

After the attack, Hudson forced the woman into a shower and told her to clean herself up before he fled with the knife, a bag containing clothes, his phone and the victim's mobile.

She managed to escape to a neighbour's house.

The court heard how Hudson called 999 and told the operator: "I've just stabbed my missus.

"I think I stabbed her a lot," he added.

Hudson also said he was covered in his victim's blood and that he was calling from a nearby field in March, where he was later arrested by armed officers.

The investigation revealed Hudson had monitored his ex-partner's phone and social media accounts and had previously installed cameras in their former home.

Officers also found he controlled her medication.

Over a two-month period, he over-medicated her, leaving her sleeping for long periods.

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