Woman tried to murder friend on train then told police: ‘I'm a psycho killer’

Knife-wielding attacker laughed after subjecting victim to prolonged assault on rail service to Cardiff

Savage was handed a life sentence after admitting to attempted murder at Cardiff Crown Court (BTP)

A woman who stabbed her friend in the face during a “vicious” attack on a train before telling police she was a “psycho killer” has been jailed for life.

Lisa Savage bragged to officers after she was arrested for repeatedly stabbing Sarah Hayton as the pair travelled from Birmingham to Aberdare in April.

When questioned over the attack, which left her victim bleeding on the carriage floor with wounds to her face and neck, Savage said she was “happy” adding: “I took her out didn’t I.”

The 42-year-old, of Aberdare, South Wales, then told police she was a “psycho killer” - unaware Ms Hayton had survived the onslaught.

Savage was handed a life sentence for the attack at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday, of which she will serve at least eight years and four months, after previously admitting attempted murder.

The court heard how on the day of the incident, Savage and Ms Hayton boarded a train from Gloucester to Cardiff Central Station as part of their journey to Aberdare.

However, the pair had both been drinking vodka heavily in the hours leading up to the attack and soon began arguing.

Savage then started to punch and kick her victim, before pulling out a blade and repeatedly stabbing her in the head, neck and hands in front of shocked passengers.

Savage's prolonged attack on Ms Hayton was captured on CCTV (BTP)

Ms Hayton was left with more than 80 injuries in total, including multiple deep lacerations that required surgery, as well as a serious stab wound to her neck.

Savage left the train as it pulled in to Chepstow station, but was found by British Transport Police (BTP) officers and arrested soon after in a nearby car park.

She laughed as she was detained by police, who found a large kitchen knife in her handbag, in addition to the blade used in the attack.

In a statement provided to police, Ms Hayton said the assault had left her frightened to leave the house due to violent flashbacks she now suffers from.

The court heard how the victim had been told by doctors she will never be able to fully open her right eye again, and her vision will never return to normal.

Temporary DCI Jaci Thomas, of the BTP, said: “This was a shocking and vicious attack, and I am pleased we have been able to bring Lisa Savage to justice.”