Family welcome 10-year s imprisonment for jilted knifeman who stabbed former fiancée

THE family of a woman whose ex-fiancée tried to murder her when she called off their wedding said yesterday that they were "delighted" after he was jailed for at least ten years.

Steven McKee, 38, stabbed Lisa Whyte in the neck and body the day after they were due to be married last July.

He was found guilty of attempted murder by a majority verdict last month following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

Yesterday, Lord Kinclaven handed him a 14-year extended sentence, with ten years to be served behind bars and four on licence after his release.

Speaking outside the court, Ms Whyte said she was "pleased" with the outcome, while her mother Anne said: "We're delighted with the result and thankful that it's over."

During the trial, jurors heard that Ms Whyte, who was 32 at the time of the attack, cancelled the wedding after her hen weekend in Newcastle, a few days before the incident.

She and McKee, who have two daughters, had been due to marry at Falkirk Registry Office on 23 July last year.

Sentencing him, Lord Kinclaven said: "You have been found guilty of a very serious offence, the attempted murder of your former partner in her own home.

"You assaulted Ms Whyte, struggled with her and repeatedly struck and stabbed her."

He added: "Clearly there is no alternative to a significant custodial sentence. No other method is appropriate."