Woman, 38, in ‘relationship of types’ with man, 84, spared jail after stabbing him

A woman who was in “some form of relationship” with an 84-year-old pensioner stabbed him in the leg with a kitchen knife.

Sarah Wilson, 38,was living with him and acting as his carer when she carried out the attack. She has now been spared jail. A court heard that, following a row on April 1 last year, he grabbed Wilson in a head lock and punched her in the face.

Wilson then picked up a “substantial” knife with a 15cm blade and stabbed him in the leg. She called the emergency services and stayed with the victim. He was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle and had surgery after being resuscitated, ChronicleLive reports.

Referring to a victim impact statement, prosecutor Claire Anderson told Newcastle Crown Court: “He describes no longer living independently and moving into a residential care setting. He was no longer in pain but had trust issues as a result of this offence.”

Wilson, of Blyth, Northumberland who has no previous convictions, was originally charged with wounding with intent. But prosecutors accepted her guilty plea to the lesser offence of unlawful wounding.

In mitigation Lorraine Mustard, defending, said: “Miss Wilson was acting as his carer at the time as well as being someone with whom there was a relationship of sorts, if I could put it like that. She was providing care because she was living there.”

The lawyer said that Wilson had “adverse childhood experiences” and has learning difficulties and neurodevelopmental difficulties. She said Wilson would have needed an intermediary had the case gone to trial.

Recorder Andrew Latimer told Wilson: “I know what happened is there had been an argument and he punched you and got you in a head lock. I also know you stayed with him, called an ambulance and made sure he was looked after.

“Although it should never have happened, the fact you stayed with him to give assistance is very much in your favour.” The judge added that Wilson used a “substantial kitchen knife” with a blade of around 15cm to stab him.

Recorder Latimer said: “This took place in his own home. There was a personal relationship between them and he was with someone he ought to have been able to trust.

“She had her own health problems to cope with and she has her own vulnerabilities but I’m clear she is not the victim in this case, he is.”

The judge told Wilson: “I’m not going to send you to prison today.” She was sentenced to eight months suspended for 18 months and was also given a five-year restraining order.

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