A man who attempted to murder his fiance by throwing electrical appliances into her bath before he forced her head under the water has been jailed for nine years.

Gary Boyland, 35, of Sturt Close, Charlbury, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court, after being found guilty of the attempted murder of Lynsey Brooks, 24, at his trial last month.

Boyland threw a hair dryer, stereo and lamp into the water while Miss Brooks was in the bath. When a trip switch kicked in saving her from electrocution, Boyland got into the bath and held her head under water, the court heard.

Boyland attempted to kill Miss Brooks after discovering a telephone bill which showed she had been calling lover Ken Sheppard, the jury was told. Judge Anthony King rejected Boyland's claim that he didn't believe throwing the items into the bath would kill Miss Boyland.

He added: "Seeing she had not been killed, you got into the bath and pushed her head so she was under the water and drowning. It is to be said in your favour that, whatever caused the change of heart, you did desist from completing the act of murder."

Sentencing Boyland to nine years in jail, Judge King said: "While you are of previous good character this is a serious offence. I have considered whether it is my duty to assess you as being a continuing danger to the public.

"I have come to the conclusion that I should not make such a finding, but the sentence upon you must mark the seriousness of what you have done."

Dc Jim Holmes, of Witney CID, said: "It (the sentence) sends a positive message to victims of domestic violence who will be taken seriously by the courts and the criminal justice system."

Peter Coombe, defending Boyland, said he would have had a defence of provocation if Miss Brooks had been killed.

He said: "Mr Boyland was treated badly and when he discovered she was still in contact with Mr Sheppard, it must have been extremely upsetting for him. I ask Your Honour to give him full credit for that, given that Mr Sheppard was making a complete fool of him."

Mr Coombe said Boyland attempted to strangle himself shortly after he tried to kill Miss Brooks.