Woman jailed for knife attack frenzy over beer

A YOUNG woman repeatedly stabbed another woman in a frenzied attack after a row over beer and cigarettes.

Denise McLean and Lisa Foster, 36, had previously been on friendly terms and lived in the same block of flats.

They would visit each other and on occasions alcohol was drunk, Philip Adam, prosecuting, told Leeds Crown Court yesterday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But on the evening of March 11, Ms Foster went round to McLean's flat having previously loaned her some cigarettes and beer and wanting them replaced. But words were exchanged and the situation became heated, and McLean was struck in the face suffering a swollen lip.

She then went into the kitchen leaving her neighbour in the hall. "The complainant understood the defendant had gone to get the beer or cigarettes," Mr Adam told the court.

In fact, McLean, 19, grabbed a large knife and returned to the hall "and carried out a frenzied attack while her victim's back was turned. "She stabbed her repeatedly in the back while screaming she was going to kill her."

When the victim turned around, McLean lashed at her again, cutting her hand as she tried to defend herself.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

After Ms Foster slumped to the floor, McLean returned to the kitchen and her partner who was in the flat helped the victim up and called the police.

McLean told them her neighbour had punched her and stabbed herself, asking "are you going to arrest her."

Ms Foster was found to have multiple stab wounds to her back, neck, scalp and hands and air had built up in her chest cavity. She was treated by surgeons, one of whom said she was fortunate to have not suffered damage to any major organs.

When interviewed McLean said she had only stabbed her once but accepted she was so angry she could have killed her.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Warner Falk, for McLean, said she was anxious to address the problems behind her behaviour on that day.

McLean, of Beevers Court, Ireland Wood, Leeds, was sentenced to two years nine months in custody after admitting wounding with intent.

Recorder David Ake said had she been older she would have received a longer sentence.

He added: "I hope you show some remorse. You behaved in a wicked way."

Related topics: