A man who almost decapitated his girlfriend with a breadknife will not face a murder trial - because he is an alcoholic.
James Richardson, 35, of Berridge Green, Edgware, admitted the manslaughter of barmaid Natalia Czekaj earlier this year and faces years behind bars for the killing.
Ms Czekaj, a Polish national, was found dead at the home she shared with her partner on January 6 and a post-mortem examination found she died of shock, haemorrhage and multiple stab wounds.
Prosecutor Tim Cray QC accepted Richardson’s plea of manslaughter by diminished responsibility after a medical report confirmed a diagnosis of alcohol dependency syndrome.
To accept the plea, the prosecution had to be satisfied he had a recognised medical condition that substantially impaired his responsibility.
Appearing at the Old Bailey today, Richardson was remanded in custody until he is due to be sentenced on Friday, October 2.
Judge John Bevan QC said: "It seems to me this is not a case for a medical health act order. It is a case for a determinate sentence and the only question is how long."
Richardson and Ms Czekaj, 34, were both believed to be functioning alcoholics who were celebrating the New Year at home when the defendant attacked the victim with a kitchen knife, using it in a sawing action to her neck.
At the time of the killing, Richardson had a blood alcohol level four times the drink-drive limit.
Detective Inspector Simon Pickford, from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: "Natalia died during a frenzied attack, which may have been fuelled by Richardson's dependency on alcohol.
"He had no choice but to plead guilty to her manslaughter."
