A woman who stabbed and slashed a man in Clacton while demanding money has been handed a life sentence.

East Anglian Daily Times: Kelly Gentry was handed a life sentence. Picture: ESSEX POLICEKelly Gentry was handed a life sentence. Picture: ESSEX POLICE (Image: Archant)

Kelly Gentry, 47, of no fixed address, went to the victim’s home in Wellesley Road, Clacton, on June 23 last year, where the pair began drinking together.

Gentry became aggressive, and demanded money from the man, threatening him with a knife.

She then stabbed him in the stomach before taking the money and cards from his wallet.

She stabbed him again in his shoulder and chest, before slashing him across the throat as he tried to flee the room.

Essex Police said he passed out, but came to at around 5.30am where he alerted a neighbour who called emergency services.

He was rushed to hospital for treatment, but police later confirmed his injuries were not life-threatening.

Gentry was arrested in Harlow on July 1, where she was charged with attempted murder.

She denied the allegation and was found not guilty of attempted murder, but on Monday, December 11 was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Yesterday, she was sentenced at the same court, where she was handed a life sentence with a minimum of six years in jail.

Detective Sergeant Phil Terry, the investigating officer from Clacton CID, said: “This was a horrific attack which left the victim seriously hurt.

“Fortunately his injuries weren’t life-threatening but the reality is that Gentry had tried to cause him harm and the attack could’ve been a lot worse.

“Gentry is a dangerous woman who was willing to really hurt someone in order to steal from him and prevent him telling the police.

“I am pleased she is off the streets and is no longer able to pose a threat to the victim or anyone else.

“I want to praise the victim’s bravery throughout the investigation and court process. I hope this sentence provides some solace to him.”

Police issued an appeal at the end of June for information to her whereabouts, warning the public not to approach her, before she was tracked down in Harlow and arrested on July 1.