A THUG tried to kill his terrified ex-partner weeks after they had split, a court has heard.

David Munroe pounced on Nattassja Cairns shortly after turning up at her flat in Drumchapel.

Munroe battered the defenceless mum before knifing her repeatedly in June this year.

The 33-year-old then fled after suddenly stating: “What have I done?”

Munroe – who already had a history of violence – on Monday admitted an attempted murder charge at the High Court in Glasgow.

He was remanded in custody pending sentencing next month.

The hearing was told Miss Cairns had ended their six-year relationship in May.

She returned home on June 27 and Munroe was standing outside.

Prosecutor Greg Farrell said the mum ignored him – but went on to call a relative as she was “scared”.

Miss Cairns eventually allowed him in as she was worried he would force entry.

But, Munroe soon lashed out as his ex as he punched and kicked her as they stood in the flat.

He then got hold of a blade and repeatedly stabbed her on the body.

The court heard Miss Cairns was later rushed to hospital with initial concerns she had a collapsed lung.

Mr Farrell said medics described her injuries as a “viable threat to life”.

She was also treated for a large wound on her shoulder.

Miss Cairns spent several days in hospital. The court heard she is expected to make a full recovery, but will be left scarred for life.

Munroe was held after handing himself into police.

Lord Clark told Munroe: “This was a brutal, vicious assault and attempted murder of your former partner.”

The judge deferred sentencing until November 26 in Edinburgh.