Ex-councillor jailed for stabbing

McEvilly was a lodger at Miss Smith's house at the time

A former deputy leader of Sefton Council has been jailed for 14 years for repeatedly stabbing a love rival.

Edward McEvilly, 44, a former Labour councillor, was convicted of attempting to murder Alan Harrison in February at Liverpool Crown Court.

McEvilly was a lodger at his ex-partner Elaine Smith's house on Railton Road in Norris Green at the time of the attack.

The court heard he stabbed Miss Smith's new partner, Mr Harrison, 44, while he was unwell in bed at the house.

Judge Mark Brown said he had attacked Mr Harrison "in a vicious and horrific way."

'Frenzied attack'

The court was told that had it not been for the fast action of Miss Smith, he could have died.

The jury heard that McEvilly had carried out the attack after he had returned home after a night drinking at about 2300 GMT on 8 February.

He walked into Mr Harrison's bedroom armed with a knife, stabbing Mr Harrison 17 times in the face, chest, stomach and leg as he lay in bed.

Miss Smith, who had been having a bath at the house, ran to the bedroom and jumped on McEvilly's back while the attack was taking place.

"This was a frenzied attack and she must have put herself at considerable risk. She probably saved his life and is to be commended," said Judge Brown.