Boyfriend stabbed with cheese knife

A woman has been ordered to serve a community punishment after she admitted stabbing her boyfriend with a cheese knife in a fit of rage.

Karen Shaw, 33, returned to her Northampton home after a night out to find Dan Newman waiting up for her.

They argued and she grabbed a five-inch blade from the kitchen and knifed him in the stomach.

Shaw, of The Briars, pleaded guilty to unlawfully wounding Mr Newman and on Thursday was sentenced to a six-month community rehabilitation order.

I am satisfied that you never meant to cause any serious injury

Mr Justice Hunt

Northampton Crown Court was told the couple had a turbulent two-year relationship during which time the police were often called to their home.

They had been out drinking together on the night of 15 June last year, when Mr Newman allegedly kicked Shaw in the leg.

He then left her alone in a Northampton club and she called the police.

'Volatile relationship'

They registered her complaint before seeing her into a taxi and sending her home.

When she arrived back, Mr Newman was waiting up for her and they had a row.

She grabbed the steak knife, which Mr Newman said he used to cut cheese, and stabbed him, leaving him with injuries to his liver and stomach.

Mr Justice Hunt, sentencing, told Shaw: "You entered into what proved to be a volatile relationship during which on a number of occasions the police were called.

"In the course of this altercation you resorted to the use of a knife.

"I am satisfied that you never meant to cause any serious injury."