A man who almost killed his partner of 20 years by stabbing her in the chest with a kitchen knife has been jailed.
Warren Sanders, 50, of Ware Street, pleaded guilty in Warrnambool Magistrates Court yesterday to recklessly causing serious injury and assault with a weapon.
The court heard that at the time of the stabbing Sanders and the victim, both chronic alcoholics, were in a relationship although living in separate residences in Camperdown.
Police prosecutor, Leading Senior Constable Kevin Mullins, said that on June 27 last year both Sanders and the woman had been drinking cask wine.
He said a heated argument broke out and Sanders grabbed a kitchen knife, stabbing the woman in the chest.
Sanders then went to a neighbour’s house for help and police and paramedics were called. The victim was taken to South West Healthcare with life-threatening injuries.
At the hospital, where she remained for two weeks, it was discovered the woman had welts and bruising on her legs.
When interviewed by police, Sanders was emotional and could not put into words what he had done.
Defence counsel Amanda Chambers said it was conceded the charges were serious and she had prepared Sanders for the likelihood of a prison sentence.
She said from her perspective it was a tragic situation, with the victim a paranoid schizophrenic and Sanders suffering from a bipolar disorder, although the offending occurred because of alcohol consumption rather than the medical conditions.
Ms Chambers said the only evidence police had was what Sanders had provided and he had been very compliant and helpful. He had gone next door for help straight away and remained with the victim till paramedics arrived. Ms Chambers said he was aware it was a serious matter and had shown appropriate regret.
Sanders was supported in court by his mother and her niece.
Magistrate Ron Saines said the use of a knife to stab a person must be denounced and punished. He said he was satisfied the offending arose out of chaotic circumstances, being mental illness and major alcohol use, and was not a premeditated act.
On the charge of recklessly causing serious injury Sanders was convicted and sentenced to six months’ jail, of which two months must be immediately served and the remaining four months suspended for two years.
On the charge of assault with a weapon Sanders was sentenced one month in jail.
In imposing the suspended sentence, Mr Saines said he had taken into account Sanders’ guilty plea, that he had looked after the victim after the attack, co-operated with