A jealous boyfriend stabbed both his long-term partner and his love rival with a 12-inch blade after discovering they were having a relationship together.

David Albert, 32, ran 150 yards naked through Witham's Forest Road estate in the early hours of the morning, gripping a stab wound to his heavily-bleeding stomach.

He had been chased by his attacker, Gary Dettmar, who returned to the bedroom where he had seen his former partner, Debra Lamb with Mr Albert.

He slashed Miss Lamb's head and legs with the same 12-inch knife he had used on Mr Albert.

Mr Albert, who survived life-threatening injuries, has recently married Miss Lamb. Both victims will be scarred for life following the attack.

Since the incident on September 1 both have attempted suicide, Anthony Abell, prosecuting, told Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday.

Mr Abell said Dettmar and Miss Lamb lived in Forest Road, Witham, with her three young children, one of whom was Dettmar's.

They had been partners for about 12 years, split up some two years before the incident, but had become friendly again. Dettmar befriended Mr Albert in August and Mr Albert slept at the Forest Road house.

The stabbings happened after the two men rowed, but went out drinking together. Upon their return, Miss Lamb told Dettmar their relationship was finished and that he should leave, sparking the incident.

Dettmar, 32, of Barnfield Place, Witham, admitted two charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He was remanded in custody for six week for sentence pending social and psychiatric reports.

Dettmar told police he told Albert his actions were based on the fact that Mr Albert had beaten up him and had been sleeping with his "missus".

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Published Wednesday, March 27, 2002