A MAN has been jailed for life after attempting to murder his ex-partner in a horrifying meat cleaver attack.

Kerry Roberts, 49, pleaded guilty to trying to kill his then-girlfriend Ashley Arnold at the home they shared in Meadow Way, Jaywick, on November 1 last year.

Roberts had initially denied the charge but changed his plea at the start of his trial at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday.

He was jailed for life today and told he will serve a minimum of nine years.