Thug stabbed neighbour

A woman broke into her neighbour’s home then returned and stabbed him after being freed by police.

Helen Grenfell struck the victim three times with a kitchen knife, Hamilton Sheriff Court heard this week.

Grenfell, 49, an inmate at HMP Edinburgh, admitted assaulting him in Glengonnar Street, Larkhall, on July 10.

She also admitted stealing a lamp, phone, firestick and electronic device after breaking into his flat the previous day. Aga Mathieson, prosecuting, said the man was out when neighbours heard banging and the noise of a window being smashed about 9.45pm.

She told the court: “Police officers attended and found the accused in the living room. She was trying to get through a window, which had been smashed, and was carrying an electronic device. She was arrested then released on the understanding that she would appear in court on August 5.”

However, the court heard she had an argument with him at his home at 6.15pm the following day.

The prosecutor added: “Twice he asked her to leave but she then pulled out a kitchen knife, brandished it at him and stated ‘Do you want this in your f ..... g throat?’”

And the court heard that when he told her that he would contact the police, she replied “You won’t be able to”.

Grenfell then stabbed her neighbour on the forehead, cheek and arm, causing minor cuts, before throwing the knife away and leaving the scene.

She was arrested again and has been in custody since. Sheriff Liam Murphy deferred sentence until next month for background reports.

Grenfell, who has no previous convictions, was again remanded in custody.