A former Gurkha soldier tried to hack his wife to death with a Nepalese Kukri knife as a 999 operator listened to her screams, a court has heard.

Bikash Gurung inflicted such terrible injuries on his wife Kamana that both he and a policeman who attended the scene believed she was dead.

Miraculously, 37-year-old nurse Kamana survived fractures to her skull, jaw and neck and a nearly-severed finger following life-saving work by doctors.

Gurung, who served 23 years in the Gurkha Regiment before becoming a security guard, admitted attempted murder and was jailed for 14 years this week.

Bikash Gurung (left) has been jailed for attempting to hack his wife Kamana (right) to death

The couple had been married for 20 years, following an arranged marriage, the court heard.

But in the build-up to to the attack Gurung had an affair and his wife started a relationship with a man she online, the court heard. She planned to tell him she wanted a divorce on the day of the attack, the judge was told.

But Gurung, 42, was controlling and constantly checked her mobile phone and other devices. He was 'pre-occupied with a loss of self respect and honour' at the thought of her divorcing him, prosecutors said.

The pair clashed at their home in Swindon on December 29 last year and Gurung picked up his Kukri, a 18-inch long knife, and attacked her.

Mrs Gurung dialled 999 and the recording of her conversation with the operator was played in court. She sounded calm as she gave details of Gurung hitting her earlier that day and said she was seeking advice and did not want to see him locked up.

Gurung's voice could be heard in the background at times during the long call as the operator questioned her about what had happened and whether Gurung could hear her.

Mrs Guring told the operator her two children, aged seven and eight, had been out at school earlier when her husband had beaten her 'black and blue' that day.

The operator assured her officers were on the way to her home as they spoke. She told the operator Gurung was shocked she was calling the police but was not threatening her at that time.

The court heard Gurung was scared of the 'loss of honour' he would face if his wife left him

She said she was frightened of him and that he was becoming more violent as he tried to prevent her leaving him.

As Mrs Gurung was telling the operator 'He has broken bones when he assaulted me before - he broke my nose' she suddenly started shrieking and screaming before falling silent.

Gurung then made a second 999 call telling the operator he had killed his wife.

The court heard the couple's eight-year-old son came downstairs to see the horrific scene.

The first police officer on the scene was a special constable who thought Mrs Gurung was dead after seeing her lying motionless in a large pool of blood.

Then another PC then arrived and saw signs of life. He started resuscitation until paramedics arrived to take over.

Mrs Gurung spent two months in hospital and is still feeling the effects of her injuries now, ten months later, said . Her hands will never fully recover.

A traditional kukri knife, like that pictured in this file photo, was used in the attack

She later told police her husband had suddenly launched the murderous attack while she was on the phone and had shouted 'I'm going to kill you now. I won't let you live.'

KUKRI: REGIMENT'S SYMBOL OF VALOUR The iconic kukri knife used by the Gurkhas can be a weapon or a tool. It is the traditional utility knife of the Nepalese people, but is mainly known as a symbolic weapon for Gurkha regiments all over the world. The kukri signifies courage and valour on the battlefield and is sometimes worn by bridegrooms during their wedding ceremony. Advertisement

Gurung had rained down chopping blows on her with the knife and her hands had taken the brunt of them as she tried to defend herself.

'He was chopping at her neck - holding her head and pulling her hair,' prosecutor Rob Wellings said. 'She went down and he continued attacking her while she was on the floor.'

When Gurung was questioned by police he said: 'My wife found a new boyfriend.. That's why. Is she dead? I tried to kill her.'

Retired Gurkha brigadier Bruce Jackman spoke of Gurung's character in court.

Brigadier Jackman said: 'He was a completely honest gurkha. That is how I always knew him. He was loyal, respectful - I had the highest regard for him.

'He did not seek to minimise his actions when I spoke to him. He regretted what he had done. His words were that it was a moment of madness.'

Judge Michael Cullum ordered Gurung serve at least two thirds his sentence and a five-year extended licence period after his release.

He imposed an indefinite restraining order, which bans Gurung from contacting his wife.