A 37-year-old woman has been cleared of knifing her partner after a judge at Maidstone Crown Court decided there was not enough evidence for a conviction.

Nicola Rattle was accused of causing Ian Coull grievous bodily harm with intent on July 14 last year.

Fiona Moore-Graham, prosecuting, said Miss Rattle, was seen near her home in Beatty Avenue, Gillingham, with a knife in her hand and blood on her clothes.

Mr Coull, a neighbour of Miss Rattle’s, was treated for slash injuries to his throat and body.

Miss Moore-Graham said Mr Coull had not accused Miss Rattle of attacking him and refused to co-operate with the police investigation.

Judge John McDonald, QC, refused to adjourn the case for other witnesses to attend court as he said their evidence was insufficient for a conviction.

He said it was a serious charge, but added:

“It is a charge in which the alleged victim has never been willing to testify.”

Miss Moore-Graham said in those circumstances, the Crown would not be able to proceed and offered no evidence against Miss Rattle.

Judge McDonald entered a not guilty verdict and ordered Miss Rattle’s discharge.