AN ex-lover of a mum-of-six has been branded an "evil and dangerous man" by police after being found guilty of attempting to murder her.

Yesterday, David Kent was convicted of brutally attacking Samantha Barker with a metal pole and chisel, leaving her for dead.

Miss Barker suffered 25 injuries to her head, face, neck and hands, and has no recollection of what happened.

Detective Inspector Mark Knibbs said: "He is without doubt an evil and dangerous man who if not checked would have gone on to commit similar or even worse offences.

"We hope Sam and her family can now move on with their lives."

The attack happened on November 20 last year when Kent, of Alvaston, had knocked on Miss Barker's Etwall home wearing dark clothes and a balaclava.

The 40-year-old hit her 10 times with the metal weapon as Miss Barker's stunned 14-year-old son, Allistair Gadsby, looked on.

Miss Barker said she felt relieved at the jury's verdict.

The 33-year-old said: "I am relieved it is over and relieved Al didn't have to give evidence for nothing."

Click here to read Miss Barker's story