John Nowland faces court after stabbing his partner in front of their children

A father-of-six’s meth relapse had “horrific consequences” after he brutally stabbed his long-term partner three times in a jealous rage.

A man’s meth relapse had “horrific consequences” after he repeatedly stabbed his partner of 18 years in a jealous rage.

John Robert Nowland, 38, “left the woman he loves more than anybody else” crying, distressed and in pain from the vicious attack.

A prosecutor told the Adelaide District Court on Friday that Nowland’s attack was a “significant escalation” of violence compared to his previous criminal history.

The victim is Nowland’s partner of 18 years, who he shares six children with.

The court previously heard Nowland confronted his partner in the bedroom about “cheating allegations” before he physically assaulted her on January 8, 2021.

The struggle moved to the kitchen and then to the front yard.

Nowland charged towards the victim with a knife saying: “I told you what was going to happen, I’m going to kill you”.

He stabbed the victim twice to the neck and once to the upper thigh.

The 20cm knife was used with such force the handle was separated from the blade.

“It was an unprovoked act of violence,” the prosecutor said.

“It took place in the presence of their children who were visibly distressed.”

The court heard a person who witnessed the assault had to twice pull Nowland away from the victim.

“Had he not been pulled away, there would be no doubt far more serious consequences could have flowed,” the prosecutor said.

When police arrived they found the victim on her front porch, “crying, distressed and in pain”.

She was hospitalised.

Nowland, of Munno Para, pleaded guilty to causing harm with intent.

John Nowland will be sentenced next month for stabbing his partner. Picture: Facebook

Peter Hill, for Nowland, told the court his client was genuinely remorseful.

“That remorse has come about once the evil of methamphetamine has left his system and he’s been able to process what he did that day,” he said.

“He’s thoroughly ashamed of the pain that he inflicted to the person that he loves more than anybody else.”

Mr Hill said Nowland was a long-term user of methamphetamine, but managed to get himself clean for a period of time.

“We then have a relapse, which has horrific consequences,” he said.

“He dearly misses his children.

“He’s extremely remorseful for the children being subjected to this incident.”

Nowland had previously worked in the landscaping and construction industry and was eager to rejoin the workforce once released, Mr Hill said.

The court heard Nowland had sought help for his mental health issues and his partner, who was the victim, was supportive of him.

Judge Jo-Anne Deuter will sentence Nowland next month.