A FORMER soldier accused of trying to murder his girlfriend while she slept in his bed told a jury it was pure luck he had not stabbed her to death.

Scott Smith admitted that he had reacted after an evening of “constant anger” with 20-year-old Kirsty Holmes but said he still cared for her.

During two and a half years training with the 2nd Mercian Regiment Smith had been taught to kill with a bayonet.

Smith, aged 21, of Carlisle Road, Ronkswood, Worcester, denies attempted murder but has admitted at Worcester Crown Court to wounding with intent to cause serious harm.

Miss Holmes had seven knife wounds to the neck.

Gareth Walters, prosecuting, said fortunately they had missed arteries and the spinal cord.

The court heard the couple had an on-off romance which was dominated by Smith’s jealousy if she wore short skirts or talked to other men.

On the evening before the attack, both had been drinking in town.

When he gave evidence, Smith was asked about his collection of knives, which he valued at nearly £1,000, and used for throwing practice with his father.

He described his relationship with Miss Holmes as volatile.

Mr Walter said: “After a short sleep on the night of the attack, he woke up and picked up a knife and stabbed her. Asked why he dropped the weapon, he replied ‘If I had carried on I could have killed her’.

“He had intended to hurt her and afterwards he felt worried, sorry, upset and annoyed with himself.

“Looking back, he said he was sad and wished it had never happened.

“He wished he had punched her and not used a knife.”

Charles Hamer, defending, said the jury might conclude the pair were not meant for each other.

He said: “At times, the relationship was awful but it could also be very good.”

Mr Hamer said had Smith intended to kill her, his army training would have enabled him to inflict a fatal blow.

A verdict is expected today.