A WIFE who snapped and stabbed her husband with a kitchen knife, puncturing his lung, has escaped going to jail.

Julie Black, 45, was given a suspended sentence and community order after a judge heard that her husband, David, had refused to support a prosecution and wanted her back home.

Judge Timothy Nash told Black, who admitted unlawful wounding: “The normal consequence of using a knife is an immediate custodial sentence.”

Maidstone Crown Court heard that the couple had been out drinking in Chatham on June 17.

Andrew Jones, prosecuting, said the mother-of-three and Mr Black argued when they returned to their home in Dargets Road at Chatham.

Black later told police that her husband threw furniture around and grabbed her wrist. The police were called but Black did not want to make a complaint.

Mr Black took the family dog for a walk and then went to bed. When his wife went to get some bedding to sleep downstairs, he asked her to perform a sex act on him.

“At first, she refused,” said Mr Jones. “Then she reluctantly agreed. While sitting on the bed, she noticed a knife on the floor. She recalled picking up the knife and digging it in him.”

Police later received a call that Mr Black had been stabbed. His wife was arrested at a neighbour’s house.

Michael Levy, defending, said the case was wholly exceptional. The relationship had lasted for 22 years, despite Mr Black admitting his behaviour left a lot to be desired.

“This is the sort of case where the court ought to take into account the wishes of the victim,” Mr Levy submitted. “After bad behaviour by him, she snapped.”

Judge Nash asked: “Is it going to happen again?”

Mr Levy said the question would be whether Mr Black could change his ways, adding: “If he can’t, she will have to put up with another 22 years of bullying.”