A WOMAN who plunged a kitchen knife into her boy-friend's chest has walked free from court.

John Cope, 38, suffered a cut to his liver during the drunken attack by Anne Mould, 49, in December, 1999, and spent three days in hospital.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how the pair, who had been dating for about 18 months, ended up rowing after a night out. The fight moved into the kitchen where Mould grabbed a knife and lunged at her partner's chest.

John Wilkinson, prosecuting, said Mould was arrested at the scene and told police "I just stuck the knife in him. That's all I can say."

The court heard how the pair had had a volatile relationship and that Mr Cope did not want to see Mould punished as he hoped for a reconciliation.

Mould, of Azalea Terrace, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm.

Judge Beatrice Bolton told her: "I am aware of your first marriage, which was extremely violent. It may well be you reacted in the way you did as it was bringing back memories of what had happened in that marriage

"It is obvious you are sorry and, very much to his credit, Mr Cope acknowledges it was not all one-sided."

Mould was sentenced to a two-year community rehabilitation order.