Wife stabbed husband as they watched Wimbledon final at their home in Leeds

Joanne Austerfield was jailed for three years over the attack which took place in the kitchen of their home in Morley, Leeds.

Leeds Crown Court heard Austerfield, also known as Joanne Mitchell, shouted “go on bleed” at husband John after lunging at him with the knife.

Mr Austerfield had to undergo surgery after the knife blow perforated his bowel.

Ian Mullarkey, prosecuting, said the incident happened on July 7 last year while the couple’s friends were at their home.

The prosecutor said Mr Austerfield had been sat outside the house on Middleton Close and had been going in and out of the property to check on the tennis score.

The court heard Mr Austerfield said to his wife that he needed more beer and she suddenly kicked the dog.

Mr Mullarkey said Austerfield lunged at her husband with a black-handled kitchen knife after he shouted at her.

Mr Austerfield then asked his wife to call emergency services but she just stared at him. He then went outside to tell his friends what had happened.

The prosecutor added: “When asked if she was going to help her husband she said she wasn’t bothered.”

Austerfield eventually dialled 999 and told the operator: “I’m going to go down for this. I can’t deny it.”

She was arrested and refused to comment further during interview. Austerfield pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding.

The court heard she has a previous assault conviction for attacking her husband with a knife in the street.

Mr Austerfield also has convictions for domestic violence against his wife.

A total of 51 complaints to the police about domestic violence has been made between them.

Mr Mullarkey added: “It is right to say that there is a long history of violence between the parties.”

Nicholas Barker, mitigating, said Austerfield had now begun divorce proceedings against her husband.

He added: “It is clear from the reports and the police records that there was a troubled relationship coupled with arguments and violence on both sides. It is conceded that this was not a one sided affair.”

Recorder Timothy Hirst said: “There was a long history of violent behaviour between the two of you. A very stressed relationship which seems to have come to a head on the day of the Wimbledon tennis final.”