ST. CLOUD -- A Waite Park man who admitted to trying to kill his wife has been sentenced to more than 14 years in prison. 44-year-old Joseph Benson had earlier pleaded guilty to first degree attempted murder stemming from the August 2011 incident.

Court records show the couple was having marital problems when Benson used a knife to attack his wife. She was eventually able to escape but suffered stab wounds to her neck, back, chest and hands.

Benson admitted in court he and his wife were having marital problems, that he used multiple knives to try to kill her and that the only reason she is still alive is because she was able to escape.

The sentence of 14 years and three months in prison was a result of a plea agreement with Benson.

Assistant Stearns County Attorney Joshua Kannegieter says Benson had already been taken to prison to start serving his sentence following his February plea.

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