A man who was stabbed three times by a restaurant worker obsessed with his partner was "very lucky" to survive, according to police.

Blazej Piortowski was attacked by 27-year-old Alexander Cornell, of Britannia Road, Ipswich, on July 4 last year at the Parkway car park in Bury St Edmunds. 

Mr Piortowski suffered three stab wounds to his back and neck area - with the largest being three inches long and causing muscle damage.

Cornell was convicted of attempted murder on Monday.

The Ipswich resident had been employed at the Miller and Carter restaurant in Ipswich and appeared to have been "infatuated to the point of obsession" with his manager, who was in a relationship with Mr Piortowski.

Investigating officer DC Guy Mitchell said: "The victim’s partner found the best course of action was to completely ignore his behaviour as any attention would only encourage him. 

"Cornell also had the 39-year-old woman’s photo as his background for his Apple watch, despite being confronted about it and promising to change it.

"This was an extremely nasty, violent and pre-meditated attack on the man and would have been extremely frightening to have Cornell attack him from behind.

"The victim is very lucky that his injuries were not ultimately fatal."

The jury retired to consider its verdict on the attempted murder charge on Friday (January 20) and found him guilty by a 10-2 majority verdict on Monday. (January 23)

Judge Martyn Levett adjourned sentence until March 9 for a pre-sentence report in which the probation service will consider whether Cornell poses a danger to the public and specifically women.

The judge remanded Cornell in custody and warned him that he is facing a “lengthy” prison sentence.

The court heard that a number of weapons were found in a bag belonging to Cornell and in his bedroom after his arrest and on Monday he admitted possession of an offensive weapon in a public place in relation to these items.

Cornell chose not to give evidence during the trial.