Market Drayton woman with knife 'saw red mist' during attack on husband

Heather Hope also slapped and hit Robert Hope on his head and arms during the incident, Telford Magistrates Court heard.

Mr Roger Bleazard, prosecuting, said 62-year-old Hope brandished the knife and made threats towards her husband at their home on July 17. He said Hope claimed she "lost her cool" and became aggressive towards him because of his "bullying".

Hope, of Bartons Road, admitted assault by beating and using threatening behaviour in relation to the incident in July.

Ms Elzbeth Kenny, defending told magistrates it was a "very unusual case".

She said told the court that Hope, who had met her partner 35 years ago, had never been in trouble with the police before.

Ms Kenny said they had bought a house together at Riverside Drive, Tern Hill, about 20 years ago but claimed that 15 years later her husband had started borrowing equity from the property they jointly owned.

She alleged he took about £120,000 out of the property and spent the money on holidays to Australia without her, as well as an Audi TT sports car for his girlfriend.

Ms Kenny told the court that Hope claimed her husband left his job and she had been paying the mortgage on their property and the utility bills for the past five years.

She said on the day of the incident Mr Hope had asked her to leave their home and was emptying the house, which caused his wife to see "red mist".

But she said it was "extremely unusual behaviour" for her, adding that she was extremely upset, had suffered depression and was on medication.

The court was told that Hope, who appeared in court sitting by her social worker, now lives in rented accommodation and is on benefits.

Passing sentence, magistrates said the circumstances were "exceptional" and it had been a "sad" and "disturbing" case.

Hope was given a six-month conditional discharge and told to pay a £20 victim surcharge.