A WOMAN admitted repeatedly stabbing her partner with a kitchen knife while he slept.

Dawn McMillan, 37, of Military Road, Colchester, attacked Jamie Kettle, 33, at a bedsit in Osborne Street in the town.

McMillan admitted causing grievous bodily harm when she appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court. The attack happened at about 9am on July 10.

Police and paramedics were called to Mr Kettle’s flat and he was taken to Colchester General Hospital with multiple stab wounds, which were serious, but not life-threatening.

McMillan fled and a search was launched by land and air. Police arrested her about 30m away at drug and alcohol charity Open Road, between Queen Street and the Firstsite art gallery, at 9.20am.

In the 20 minutes after the attack, she had been to a pharmacy for specific medication. McMillan told staff there what she had done. She then went to the charity office and told them as well.

It is understood she was sitting waiting for police when they arrived. McMillan was originally charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, but this was reduced to grievous bodily harm.

At an earlier hearing, the court heard she stabbed Mr Kettle seven times with a six-inch kitchen knife.

He had wounds to his chest, back, shoulder and a hand as he tried to protect himself from the onslaught.

Neighbours reported regular problems at the rented flats and those who knew the couple said they had a volatile relationship.

McMillan was remanded into custody after her arrest and remains in custody ahead of sentencing on January 19.