A MAN has been convicted of stabbing a woman in Jaywick after accusing her of stealing from him.

The woman, who is aged in her 50s, sustained stab wounds during an assault in the Brooklands area of the village on September 26 last year.

Police were called to Talbot Avenue after officers received reports she had been assaulted inside a property.

She was left with stab wounds to her arms following the attack and was left in a “really serious” condition.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard Keith Palfreman attacked the woman after threatening her over the phone, accusing her of stealing from him the previous day.

Palfreman, 43, of Langham Drive, Clacton, forced the woman to the floor, attacking her with a knife, leaving her with wounds to her arms.

He then left, leaving his victim needing hospital treatment.

Palfreman was arrested the following day and later charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He denied the charge but following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court was found guilty on September 23.

He is due to be sentenced at the same court on November 4.

Essex Police said good work by its officers has secured justice for the victim.

Investigating officer Det Con Jamie Richmond, from Clacton CID, said: “Keith Palfreman subjected the woman to a terrifying ordeal leaving her in a really serious condition.

“He was readily prepared to use violence and showed little remorse for his victim.

“He now faces a significant amount of time behind bars.”