WOMAN STABS UNSUSPECTING HUSBAND IN THE BACK AFTER DRUNKEN ROW
A woman was responsible for stabbing her husband of 40 years during a dispute centered around their adult son, aged 35.The incident involved Jaqualine Deverell, aged 57, who plunged a knife into her husband's shoulder blade and upper left arm while he was removing a DVD from their player.
The argument leading to the attack was fueled by their heavy drinking and disagreements over how they had raised their adult child.
Prosecutor Claire Holmes told Hull Crown Court on Monday, April 29, that the injured man only realised he had been stabbed after feeling a warm liquid flowing down his back.
Holmes stated that although their relationship was positive overall, it was marred by their alcohol consumption, which they considered a "waste of our lives." Both had consumed six cans of strong lager each by 9 pm that evening.
The victim recounted that he and his wife had frequently discussed her opinions about their son's upbringing, which he often disagreed with.
The fight escalated around 9 pm while they were watching a DVD, and during her husband's attempt to remove the disc, she attacked him.
He did not see her with the knife but became aware of the bleeding, noticing his clothing soaked with blood.
Shocked, he questioned her motives by asking, 'what did you do that for?' After the attack, Deverell panicked, called emergency services, and tried to provide first aid.
She was involved in the treatment of her husband at the hospital, where doctors confirmed that no vital organs were harmed.
He has since made a full recovery.
The prosecutor added that the victim described the assault as brief, and despite her panic and remorse, he hopes she will stop drinking.
He also stated he plans to support her, believing she is unlikely to repeat the act.
At the time of the incident, both were living apart but maintained a good relationship.
Defence barrister Catherine Kioko-Gilligan noted the victim was hopeful about future reconciliation, despite not making a formal statement and considering their lives' issues.
She further revealed that Deverell told police she believed her husband 'deserved it.' She has been detained since January 7, and her legal representative reported her mental health has worsened during her incarceration.
Although she no longer depends on alcohol, she feels confused and uncertain about her future.
Her lawyer expressed concern that if released, she might relapse into alcohol use or her mental health could deteriorate further.
She has no stable accommodation lined up for when she leaves custody.
The court sentenced Deverell to 12 months for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, with the sentence split between custody and supervision, as mandated by Judge Bury.
