A CHEF who attempted to murder a colleague after sexually assaulting a woman has been jailed for 10 years.

A CHEF who attempted to murder a colleague after sexually assaulting a woman has been jailed for 10 years.

Shi Fu Ni, 23, attacked his former friend Le Lin last November, fearing he would go to police to report a sexual assault which he had broken up just minutes earlier.

Mr Lin was garrotted with electrical cable after intervening in the alleged sexual assault at a restaurant near St Ives, hearing screams from the woman and taking Ni back to his room.

A jury a Cambridge Crown Court on Friday found Ni guilty of the attempted murder of Le Lin. He was cleared of the attempted rape of the woman, but found guilty of sexual assault.

During the trial, the court heard that before Ni attacked Mr Lin, he told him: “I’m afraid you will report me to the police. Sorry.”

Ni was sentenced to 10 years for attempted murder and one year for sexual assault, to run concurrently. He was also placed on the sex offenders register and will be deported after serving his sentence.

Detective Constable Emily Clarke, who led the investigation, said: “This was a shocking incident which has had a lasting effect on both victims.

“The man showed great courage in coming to the aid of the woman after hearing her screams. It was sheer luck that he was not killed for his efforts.

“Ni has shown little remorse, forcing the victims to relive their ordeal and we are pleased he has now been brought to justice.”