Laura Hollingbery secures 13-month sentence for defendant charged with s18 stabbing
Mr Zachary Fitch was charged with Grievous Bodily Harm (s18) and Possession of an Offensive Weapon, following an incident that took place outside his home address, in which it was alleged by the Crown that he had stabbed his aunt to the face with a kitchen knife in a violent, unprovoked attack, witnessed by numerous neighbours. The victim also suffered several fractures to her leg, as she fell to the ground in her attempt to flee.
Before trial, the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser offence of Wounding (s20) and Possession of an Offensive Weapon. These pleas were on the basis that he was in a highly emotive state after the loss of his mother just days before the incident and during a disagreement with his aunt who had made funeral arrangements for her sister without consulting Mr Fitch. The Crown took no issue with the basis, ultimately conceding that the use of the knife was reckless not intentional, when Mr Fitch was gesticulating mid-argument.
The Judge, at sentence, was persuaded that these circumstances were “far different from the regular circumstances where a knife is used” and imposed a sentence that led to Mr Fitch’s immediate release from custody.
Miss Hollingbery was instructed by Macauley Smith Solicitors.
https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/26678784.woolwich-prospect-vale-stabbing-man-sentenced-attack/
