Exclusive:Woman who slashed man with knife in violent attack told she may spend rest of life in mental health hospital
“You will possibly need [this] order for the rest of your life”
A woman who slashed a man with a knife in a violent attack that saw him fearing for his life may spend the rest of her life in a mental institution after doctors diagnosed her with severe psychosis.
The woman - who The Star has chosen not to name - appeared in the docks of Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday (June 11) flanked by nurses.
It was heard how back in November, she had met a stranger in the smoking area of Northern General Hospital and the two had engaged in a conversation while she waited for a taxi.
After some time, the man helped her call for a taxi and when the woman complained about heart issues offered to join her.
She ultimately invited him into her home, however after some time her tone changed and she asked him to leave.
The court heard that as he was putting his shoes on, the woman emerged with a kitchen knife and said: “You’re not f***ing going anywhere”
It was said in court that she went on to attack him, slashing his face and causing potentially lifelong scars, before he was able to fight her off and run outside to call the police.
“He used the fact that his 999 call was being recorded to say he loved his children [...] such was his fear,” prosecuting barrister Stephen Grattage said.
After being arrested, the woman admitted she wanted to kill the man and during interviews made multiple claims including that God had compelled her as Armageddon was beginning.
“She said that the complainant asked if she wanted a massage, but she said only one man, Keanu Reeves, is allowed to ask this,” Mr Grattage added.
She was initially charged with attempted murder, but later pleaded guilty to wounding with intent.
However, it was heard that the 57-year-old woman had long-running mental health issues, with her first being sectioned in the late 1980s.
While she has no previous convictions, the court was told that she had a history of relevant behaviour linked to her mental health problems, which include schizophrenia and complex PTSD.
Her representative, Vanessa Saxton, went on to say: “Ordinarily this kind of offending would require a penal element - she would be more appropriately dealt with in the hospital setting, rather than the penal setting”
When passing sentence, Judge Graham Reeds KC said: “It is plainly obvious to all that you suffer from an enduring mental ill health.”
He described the victim as a “kind person,” however due to the woman’s mental health she “saw him as a threat and attacked him.”
“I conclude that you present a serious risk of causing serious harm to the public,” he added.
However, the judge agreed that a prison sentence may not be the most appropriate and instead passed a mental health act order.
He explained that ordinarily this would last for as long as a prison sentence would, however due to the serious nature of the case and long-standing issues, pushed for an extended sentence.
A consultant psychologist was called to the witness box and presented his support of this order.
“There is no guarantee that when you are discharged you will take your medication,” Judge Reed added.
He passed a Section 41 order, leaving her in the jurisdiction of a psychiatric hospital for an indefinite period of time.
“You will possible need that order for the rest of your life to support you and prevent relapse,” the judge concluded.