31 October 2023 , 20:58
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A mum threatened her ex with a knife in front of horrified guests at her daughter's birthday party.
Lucy Jacobes had planned her daughter's sixth party at a bowling alley in Truro, Cornwall, in February this year, inviting the girl's father. But when he turned up with his new partner, the 43-year-old lashed out, brandishing a knife she'd brought to cut the birthday cake.
The drama unfolded when the new girlfriend had started opening the birthday girl's presents instead of letting Jacobes do it, Truro crown court heard on Tuesday. The situation then escalated when Jacobes began making stabbing motions with the cake knife, prosecutor Deni Matthews said, exclaiming, "I'm going to stab you. I might have to use this in a minute."
Jacobes, from Truro, admitted two counts of assault and one of having a bladed article in court. The alarming incident was described as a "completely out of character moment" which prompted bystanders to lead her away, with the knife handed over to police. The mum later confessed to everything in police interviews.
The court heard how Jacobes' ex-partner and his new girlfriend were left shocked and scared by the incident, with girlfriend particularly frightened saying she had previously been a victim of knife crime and domestic abuse.
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Hollie Gilbery, defending, said that Jacobes' ex was now seeking full custody of their daughter because of the incident, Cornwall Live reports. She explained that Jacobes was struggling with the separation from her ex, the current family situation and the fear of losing access to her daughter.
"The trigger for Mrs Jacobes came when the new partner said she would open the presents with her daughter," said Miss Gilbery. "She struggled with that. She felt very lonely and isolated and accepts that she lost it in a momentary moment. She feels like she let herself down. The incident has caused some difficulties with her ex partner who is now seeking full time contact with their daughter."
"After this incident he also held on to their daughter for eight days. She struggled with not being able to be with her for that time. It has been a stressful and distressing time for her. The outcome of her behaviour has led to a far worse punishment for her because she was away from her daughter for eight days and now the family courts are involved."
Judge Robert Linford gave Jacobes a 12-month conditional discharge on all counts and did not impose any retraining orders saying they would be unworkable in this situation. The judge told Jacobes she would face serious legal consequences if she did not behave herself in the 12-month period.
He said: "There was some raised temperature between you and your ex partner and his new partner. You had taken a knife for no sinister purpose but to cut the birthday cake. The public are understandably concerned about people behaving criminally and irresponsibly with bladed articles."
"You have no previous convictions and this was out of character and a throw away threat. You had no intention to carry it out, that I am completely sure. You are now engaged in family proceedings regarding the care of your daughter. This incident will make your position more difficult."
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