Monday 6 September 2010

One-Time Teenage Sweethearts Split After Easter Stabbing


A woman who stabbed her long-term partner during an alcohol-fueled Easter Monday row over his reluctance to have a family has dodged prison.

Accounts executive Victoria Harrington, 32, of Saltash Close, Sutton was also accused of infidelity during the violent disturbance, which resulted in neighbours calling the police.

She pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court (pictured) to maliciously wounding 34 year-old Gregory Cox, inflicting grievous bodily harm, at her home address on April 5.

Prosecutor Mr. Nicholas Hall told the court: “The couple had an argument at their home in Sutton and as a result Mr. Cox was stabbed through the upper arm and required four stitches.

“It was all one blow and nobody else was present.”

The couple were teenage sweethearts and together sixteen years, but the relationship became strained after the defendant experienced two failed pregnancies in 2008.

Mr. Cox refused to fully co-operate with police and did not allow photographs of the wound to be taken.

“His relationship with her is now over,” added Mr. Hall.

When arrested Harrington confessed in the police car to the stabbing.

“Yes, it was me. We were arguing and I was so angry I hit him with the knife. I can’t believe what I have done,” she told officers.

Harrington’s lawyer Mr. Colin Aylott told the court: “This is the product of a damaging relationship, which friends and family told her to give up years ago, but due to strong feelings for Mr. Cox she didn’t.

“He admits he has treated her badly and subjected her to not physical, but psychological abuse.

“It was plain Mr. Cox did not want to be a father and made those feelings plain in a blunt fashion,” added Mr. Aylott. “It may explain the extreme reaction.

“He was also questioning her fidelity and using disgraceful language towards her.

“It is difficult for her to understand why she reacted in this extreme way.

“She is a young woman who everyone speaks so highly of, a young woman of intelligence who is hardworking and owns her flat,” added the lawyer.

Judge Daniel Flahive announced: “In other circumstances she could have killed him.”

He sentenced the first-time offender to 220 hours community service work and ordered her to pay £300 costs.

“Both of you were in drink and you lunged at him once with a knife,” Judge Flahive told the defendant. “This is out of character for you.”

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