A woman was left partially-sighted after her father-in-law repeatedly stabbed her in the face during a frenzied attack because he suspected she was having an affair with a man from another religion.
Grandfather Manjit Mirgind, of Mayfair Avenue in Cranbrook was jailed for 10 years and eight months on Friday after admitting grievous bodily harm with intent in on Jageer Mirgind, 29.
The 51-year-old Sikh kicked, punched and strangled his daughter-in-law in front of her two young children at her home in Kensington Gardens, Cranbrook.
He suspected Mrs Mirgind was having an affair with a Muslim man when he launched the attack on December 18 last year.
Police were called to the house at 9.15am after Mirgind's wife called an ambulance.
Upon arriving medics found Mrs Mirgind badly beaten, with defence injuries to her arms.
She is now scarred for life, with partial sight in one eye and blurred vision in the other.
Due to damaged muscles in her back she has difficulty walking and is unable to move her right wrist.
The father-of-four handed himself into police 40 minutes after the attack and admitted he had stabbed his daughter-in-law in the eyes.
He was hospitalised for injuries to his knee and hand as a result of the sustained attack.
Detective Inspector John Delaney said: "The psychological effects on the victim in this case will remain long after her wounds have healed.
"When Manjit Mirgind launched this attack he was acting in the misguided name of ‘honour’, spurred on by a false belief that his daughter-in-law was having an affair with a man of another faith.
"The victim sustained an unprovoked, frenzied attack by a trusted family member in her own home which has resulted in her sustaining life changing injuries.
"She has shown tremendous courage and resilience in dealing with this incident which has not only affected her but two extended families within her community."
Anyone who is the victim of, or has information concerning honour based crimes should contact police by dialling 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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