A mum walked free from court after she stabbed her former partner during a row about him seeing another woman.
Lisa Parker, from Warrington, had been in what was described as a "on and off" and "dysfunctional" relationship with her ex-partner Barry Dodd. Mr Dodd was previously served a restraining order preventing him from contacting Parker, however Liverpool Crown Court heard today they both had a "casual approach" to this.
In the early hours of June 13 last year, Parker, 36, wanted to meet up with Mr Dodd as she had seen something indicating he was with another woman. An agreement was made for the former couple to meet in Bank Park in Warrington town centre.
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Philip Clemo, prosecuting, told the court Parker had threatened to turn up to where Mr Dodd was living and "make a scene", so they agreed to meet on the stairs of the car park near Kendrick Street. Mr Dodd was also concerned of being caught breaching the restraining order.
While on the stairs of the car park, Parker and Mr Dodd began talking about the woman he was seen with. It was this point Parker asked Mr Dodd if he still loved her to which he replied no.
After the revelation, Mr Dodd felt a pain in his thigh and at first thought he had been punched by Parker. Mr Clemo said: "In fact he had been stabbed. He saw the blood pouring from his leg and he asked 'have you stabbed me?' and she said no."
Mr Dodd then saw her with the black vegetable knife she was carrying. The 36-year-old apologised, asked him not to call the police and to "think of the kids".
Mr Clemo added: "He told her to leave and throw the knife away. He did not want to get in trouble himself and did not want to get her in trouble. The defendant called an ambulance and as soon as they arrived Lisa left."
CCTV was played in Liverpool Crown Court which showed the aftermath of the stabbing. It appears to show Mr Dodd with his trousers down after being injured. Seconds before paramedics arrived Parker left the scene and also disposed of the knife.
The court heard Mr Dodd initially lied to police and told them he had fallen on a fence. He was taken to hospital where he required five stitches for his wound and said he felt as if the knife "went as far down as the bone".
Police searched the area and the knife matching the description was found nearby. When Parker was arrested she denied attacking her ex-boyfriend and told police that Mr Dodd was already injured when he met him.
In an victim impact statement, Mr Dodd said he had nightmares of being stabbed "over and over again" and the injury had worsened nerve damage he already suffered with in his leg. He added he thought Parker had stabbed him because she saw he put up a picture of another woman on his Facebook page.
Carmel Wilde, defending, said at the time of the incident Parker was under the influence of drink and cocaine. She added Parker had no previous convictions and "the prospect of custody fills her with dread".
Ms Wilde said Parker had been a victim of years of domestic abuse and also had a difficult background and upbringing. Parker's defence added the 36-year-old's behaviour was out of character and she is someone who volunteers at a local community centre helping the elderly.
Ms Wilde said Parker "has a focus to retain her sobriety" which is her children who are "her world". Ms Wilde said: "She has started a new chapter in life and has a new supportive partner and her family and her children."
Summing up the case judge Garrett Byrne said: "It was only the grace of god his injuries were not more serious than they were, although he did suffer substantial blood loss and a two inch stab wound to the right thigh. He needed five stitches in hospital."
Judge Byrne said there were "exceptional facts" in Parker's case including "years and years of domestic abuse" and "challenging mental health issues". He added: "Given your background it is very surprising this is the first time you have been in court and I say that in your favour."
Parker of of Cairo Street, Warrington, pleaded guilty to malicious wounding and possession of a knife in public. She was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 24 months.
The 36-year-old must also complete 80 hours of unpaid community work and 30 days in a rehabilitation activity requirement. The court approved a restraining order prohibiting Parker from contacting Mr Dodd or entering a named Warrington street for the next five years.
Liverpool Crown Court heard Mr Dodd was previously sentenced to four months in prison for breaching his restraining order by meeting Parker on the day he was stabbed.
