A man who slashed his ex-partner’s face with a knife has been jailed for 21 years.

Carlington Francis was found guilty on Friday, September 23 of grievous bodily harm and breaching a restraining order after a five-day trial at Blackfriars Crown Court.

The jury heard Francis, of Balliol Road, Tottenham, and his victim were in a relationship which broke down after repeated domestic violence, and a non-molestation order was taken by the woman against Francis, 39.

At 6.10pm on Tuesday, March 8, as the victim got into a taxi in Hornsey Road, Francis opened the other door, leaned in and slashed her face with a Stanley knife.

The victim, 36, suffered two deep cuts to both cheeks and a hand injury, sustained as she tried to defend herself, which caused tendon and nerve damage. In total she needed over 40 stitches.

Detective Constable Pritpal Bhabra, said: "I would firstly like to commend the courage and dignity of the victim, who has been through a dreadful ordeal. This attack was brutal and unprovoked and the victim suffered terrible injuries as result.

"Francis has shown no remorse for his violent actions and the long prison sentence is entirely justified. It sends a clear message that domestic abuse will not be tolerated and those who carry out such attacks will be held to account for their actions."

Francis grabbed the victim's handbag and ran off towards the Emirates Stadium. The bag was later found by a member of the public.

He was arrested at Heathrow Airport the day after the attack, carrying £3000 in cash as he tried to leave the country. He was charged on March 10.