Summing up due in love rival case

Mrs Foster stabbed the woman 17 times but denies trying to kill her

Jurors at the trial of a wife accused of trying to murder her husband's former lover are expected to hear directions from the judge on Thursday.

Alethea Foster, 61, of Bromley, south London, stabbed Cambridge student Julie Simpson, 45, 17 times in October 2005, Cambridge Crown Court has heard.

Mrs Foster, a retired foot specialist, denies intending to kill Miss Simpson.

Jurors have heard Miss Simpson had been involved in an affair with Mrs Foster's husband for more than 15 years.

Mrs Foster attacked Miss Simpson after learning of the affair when she found emails on her 58-year-old husband's computer.

Miss Simpson and Mr Foster met in the 1980s when both were working as journalists for the BBC in Westminster, jurors have heard.

Miss Simpson, who was attacked at her Cambridge college, but lives in Beckenham, south London, lost the sight of her right eye as a result of the attack.

Mrs Foster also denies causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Judge Gareth Hawkesworth is expected to outline the evidence and the law to jurors on Thursday.