Matthew Jones

Content warning: this post discusses the stabbing of a woman by an ex-partner.

Matthew Jones, a teacher obsessed with his ex-girlfriend Emma Kirk, stabbed her 15 times and punctured both her lungs. He’s just been found not guilty of attempted murder and possession of a knife.

Emma told Jones she did not want to be with him any more after he “lured” her to a lane near his home. He then stabbed her repeatedly, including to her neck, head and face. It took five men to drag him away and disarm him, and even while being restrained he continued to try and attack Emma.

Jones pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He initially claimed he had been defending himself from Emma and she was hurt in that process, but withdrew these claims. He accepted that he did deliberately stab her, not in self-defence, but to cause her serious harm. Despite this he has been found not guilty of attempted murder and possession of a knife.

The maximum sentence for GBH with intent is life imprisonment, with custodial sentences generally ranging between 2 and 16 years. For high culpability, category 1 harm offences – both of which could apply to this offence, due to the use of a knife and the life-threatening injuries caused – would have a starting point of 12 years in custody, before being adjusted down for Jones’ guilty plea.