A Letchworth man who left a disabled woman with 51 wounds to her head and body has been sentenced to seven years in prison.

Peter Bone was found guilty of grievous bodily harm at St Albans’ Crown Court yesterday after inflicting such injuries on his victim that she suffered a brain haemorrhage, as well as heavy bruising and scratches to her body.

The 46-year-old attacked the woman on July 14, 2014, when she was in an extremely vulnerable condition, having suffered a stroke which left her unable to communicate seven months earlier.

The following day the woman – who now lives in permanent residential care – was taken to hospital and Bone was arrested by police.

Speaking yesterday, investigating officer Det Con Kate Raine said: “Tragically as Bone’s victim cannot communicate, we were unable to determine how long she had been suffering at the hands of this man while she was already extremely ill.

“However we are in no doubt that on the evening she sustained her injuries, Peter Bone treated her with incredible cruelty.

“The crime is even more abhorrent when taking into consideration that the woman was already in an extremely vulnerable state.

“I am pleased with the outcome of today’s sentencing. I would encourage anyone who believes someone may be suffering at the hands of someone else, be it in a domestic or other setting, to contact police as soon as possible.

“You will be listened to and we will take your call extremely seriously and confidentially.”

You can speak to the police by calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.