Client Avoids Prison After Inflicting GBH

Case study summary

Our client was a vulnerable woman who accepted that she stabbed her former partner twice in the arm. Our client was at risk of going to prison but after careful mitigation, we persuaded the judge that a suspended sentence would be more appropriate.

Case study

Our client accepted that, after an altercation with her former partner, she stabbed him twice in the arm. Our client pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and approached our firm to represent her in the Crown Court for sentencing.

At the time of the incident, our client was under the influence of alcohol and medication which she was not prescribed. Her former partner had assaulted her and she asked him to leave her alone. When he refused to do so, she stabbed him twice in the arm.

Prior to the sentencing hearing, we explored the client's background and found that she had a difficult childhood, which led to her becoming alcohol dependent from the age of 12. There was also a history of domestic violence with a previous partner, which may have triggered the client's response in this case. Whilst this did not excuse her actions, it was important to note that this was an isolated incident and we ensured to explain the client's difficulties to the court without taking away from the harm caused.

We carefully prepared the case for sentencing and ensured that the client was represented by an experienced barrister. At court, we were able to persuade the Judge that a suspended sentence would me more appropriate and avoided sending the client to prison.