A Story That Poses As Many Questions As It Answers...

Trials are usually about 'closure'. Here's the crime, here's who did it, here's what the justice department deems their 'punishment', should they be conviccted

Not this one:

A St John Ambulance volunteer who stabbed her ex-fiance four times at the wheel, during an “outburst of aggression”, has avoided jail.

Wha..?

Vicky Caskey, 29, plunged her Swiss Army knife into Paul Lawrence’s arm and hand after he rebuffed her pleas for a “hug”.

The pair, who had called off their engagement, but had remained friends, had been for a drink at the Hawk pub, Battlesbridge and were on their way home when Caskey “snapped” and pulled out the knife, yelling “you hurt me!”

A clear case, you'd think, that should attract a hefty prison sentence. So, why didn't it?

Sentencing her at Basildon Crown Court yesterday, Judge Christopher Mitchell said he was sparing Caskey instant jail because of her history of depression and physical disabilities.

Note that neither was considered sufficient to prevent her from becoming a St John's Ambulance volunteer. In fact, the knife she used was part of her work kit!

The court heard Caskey, of Mirimar Close, Canvey, has below average intelligence and mobility problems.

Is that 'below average intelligence' or the UK? Or just for Canvey?

The stabbing took place as the car neared Sadlers Farm roundabout.

I know it well. It's one of those 'big roundabout with little roundabouts attached' type - hard enough to navigate when a madwoman isn't stabbing you...

Caskey pulled the knife out of her bag after she “pictured Mr Lawrence with another woman”.

She stabbed him so hard the tendons in his hand severed.

Mr Lawrence managed to pull his 4x4 over and flag down a motorist who then dialled 999.

Outside the car Caskey continued punching and kicking Mr Lawrence and told a witness: “I’m very obsessive of him”.

Ummmm. Yeah...

Still, no permanent harm done, to explain the unaccountable leniency?

Mr Lawrence, a gardener, of Cranleigh Drive, Leigh, had to undergo two operations, spent five months off work and has lost the use of part of his hand as a result of the attack.

Oh.

Judge Mitchell told Caskey although she had inflicted multiple stab wounds, he accepted she was deeply remorseful.

He said: “This was an exceptional case and one which a suspended sentence can be passed.”

I don't think you're going to get another case with the exact same circumstances, Judge, not for a long time. But I wouldn't say this was 'exceptional', at least, not in the sense you probably mean...

She was also banned from making contact with Mr Lawrence and from entering Southend borough.

She now plans to relocate to Clacton with her family.

So, she's someone else's problem now!