A vicious attacker who stabbed a 36-year-old woman several times with a broken bottle has been jailed for nine years.

Eugen Bejan, 26, of Layburn Crescent, Brands Hill near Colnbrook, approached his victim as she walked on the M4 footbridge connecting London Road and Grampian Way in Langley on July 15 at about 11pm.

She was reaching the end of the bridge when Bejan made a comment, before grabbing her by the neck and attacking her with the bottle. As she fought to escape Bejan stabbed her with the bottle a number of times in her arm, shoulder and back.

The victim managed to escape from Bejan and contacted her boyfriend to report what happened.

She was badly hurt and needed hospital treatment before being discharged.

Bejan was arrested two days later and charged on July 18.

He pleaded guilty to the charge of grievous bodily harm on August 22 at Reading Crown Court.

Investigating officer Det Con Thomas Parker of Maidenhead Force CID, said: “To viciously attack a lone woman late at night is almost beyond comprehension and Bejan’s despicable actions that night have caused the victim to suffer severe physical and emotional pain.

“Bejan now has time in prison to reflect on the severity of his crime.

“I would like to commend the victim for her courage and bravery throughout this process and hope the court result provides some measure of closure for her.”