A man who stabbed several women from a driving car while they were out jogging or cycling has been found guilty of four counts of attempted murder.

The attacks took place over a three month period in Noord Holland, leading police to warn women not to go out running or cycling alone in the area where the attacks took place.

René V from Julianadorp was sentenced to six years in jail to be followed by psychiatric prison. The court said it was a miracle that no-one had died. V was also found guilty of attempting to run over one of the women, of threatening several women with rape and stalking.

Two of his victims were stabbed in the arm and two in the chest. One victim spent two days in intensive care after the knife almost touched her heart.

Experts told the court that V was suffering from diminished responsibility, has several personality disorders and that his addiction to amphetamines was also a major issue.

He had admitted the attacks shortly after being arrested.