[A] WOMAN who went into her girlfriend’s Carlisle home and stabbed her repeatedly has been jailed for nine years.
Jane Kirkpatrick, 29, knifed Danielle Nicholson in the legs with a knife she picked up inside the property at around 5am on October 8. When police arrived at the house, in the city’s Currock area, Miss Nicholson was found distressed and injured on a bed, “soaked in blood” and had up to seven stab wounds. She received stitches during hospital treatment, and also had a head wound.
Carlisle Crown Court heard the exact trigger for Kirkpatrick’s drunken violence was “shrouded in mystery”, although it was suggested she had been angered by her then partner’s alleged infidelity. Neither Miss Nicholson nor another female who was in her house at the time co-operated with police who pieced together other evidence.
They later arrested Kirkpatrick, who was “scientifically linked” to a knife left at the victim’s home. She was sentenced today (TUES) having admitted wounding Miss Nicholson with intent.
The court heard she had previously served a lengthy jail term for a separate wounding with intent crime.
Judge Peter Hughes QC jailed Kirkpatrick, of Shadygrove Road, Carlisle, and imposed a four-year extended licence period.
Judge Hughes told her: “This was a sustained and ferocious attack on a defenceless victim.”
Detective Constable James Aiston, North Cumbria CID, said: “This was a premeditated and vicious attack on her ex-partner.
“Kirkpatrick’s assault was motivated by jealousy and the victim was fortunate that she only required stitches as this could have resulted in life-changing or life-threatening injuries. This does not dilute the seriousness of her offending.
“I am pleased that Kirkpatrick has been taken out of society. Her actions will not be tolerated and we will continue to protect members of the public by bringing dangerous offenders, like Kirkpatrick, to justice.”
