Woman “snapped” and stabbed partner

A Wishaw woman who“snapped”and stabbed her partner then told police she did not regret it has been spared jail.

Lorraine Gilbey, who claimed to be the victim of domestic abuse, was instead ordered to do 240 hours of unpaid community work.

Gilbey, 40, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court last week.

She admitted striking the man on the face with a knife at their home in Etive Street, Pather, on May 4 last year.

Sheriff Alasdair MacFadyen told her: “What you did by arming yourself with a weapon and using it on the man was excessive.

“Similar cases resulting in fatal consequences can attract life sentences.

It’s your good fortune that your victim was not more seriously injured and you are not appearing in a court with greater sentencing powers.

“But I take account of the provocation and your caring responsibilities for a significant number of children.”

The sheriff also imposed a nonharassment order, banning Gilbey from contact with her former partner for one year.

Michael Macintosh, prosecuting, said the assault happened in the early hours after the couple had been drinking.

He told the court:“An argument developed and I understand drink was thrown by both sides.

“A scuffle ensued and Gilbey picked up a knife from the draining board.

“She held it out towards the victim then struck him on the face with it.

“This caused a 1cm wound to his cheek.”

Mr Macintosh said the victim called the police and officers detained Gilbey.

He added:“There were clear signs of a disturbance in the house, including bloodspots and red patches which showed efforts had been made to clear up blood. The accused was very candid with police officers, saying‘I snapped and stabbed him in the face.’

“She was told she was under suspicion of assault and replied‘It’s not under suspicion. I’ve done it and I don’t regret it.

“Gilbey said her partner had been provocative, making extremely unpleasant remarks about her and her daughter.

“She also said she had been the victim of domestic violence in the relationship.”

The man was taken to hospital for treatment, but the scar he had initially has faded.

Defence agent Ian Scott said Gilbey was a“stranger”to the court system.

He added:“She falls into the category of domestically abused.