A SPURNED man who tried to murder his ex-wife when she refused him a "final kiss" has been jailed for life.

George Nevard, aged 55, hacked at his screaming former wife Julie with an axe and used so much force it broke, Blackfriars Crown Court heard on March 3.

In the midst of the horrifying attack Mrs Nevard, 47, crawled away and dialled 999 on her mobile phone.

The chilling call in which she pleaded for help was played to shocked jurors during the week-long trial.

Nevard tried to finish her off by slicing through her wrists with a razor-sharp knife.

He then slashed his own arms and legs before slicing into his stomach in a bid to end his life.

The divorced couple were found on Mrs Nevard's bed when police arrived.

Nevard's guts were spilling out of his stomach.

The attack happened at Mrs Nevard's home on April 22 last year.

Nevard paid a visit and suggested they get back together.

And when the mother-of-four and grandmother refused he went into a rage, the court heard.

Nevard, of Mottisford Road, Abbey Wood, was jailed for life by Judge Charles Byers.

He will have to serve at least eight-and-a-half-years before being considered for parole.

Nevard had denied a charge of attempted murder but was found guilty by a jury.

Prosecutor Mark Tomassi told jurors the couple's marriage was dogged by grief following the tragic deaths of several of their children.

He said: "It got to the stage when she was afraid what would happen if he discovered she had a new boyfriend."

Mrs Nevard told jurors her ex-husband asked for a "last kiss" and she replied "no".

She told police he left her bedroom and returned minutes later with an axe, which he brought down on top of her head.

Since the ordeal Mrs Nevard has suffered insomnia, flashbacks and panic attacks.

Brendan Keany, mitigating, told the court Nevard felt deep remorse for the injuries and trauma caused to his former wife.

Sentencing him, Judge Byers said: "This was a wicked, cold-blooded, premeditated attempt to murder your ex-wife.

"I have no doubt you went to the house with murder in your mind."