Oxford student who stabbed boyfriend could be spared jail 'because of her extraordinary talent'

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/16/oxford-student-spared-jail-extraordinary-talent/

An Oxford University student could be spared jail after a judge said she had an "extraordinary" talent for medicine.

Lavinia Woodward, 24, who studied at Christ Church College, Oxford, stabbed her Cambridge-educated boyfriend in the leg on December 30 last year following a row.

The pair had a drink and drug-fuelled argument, and Woodward punched and swiped at the victim with a bread knife.

She then stabbed the man before hurling a laptop, glass and a jam jar at him.

...

She admitted a charge of unlawful wounding at Oxford Crown Court and Judge Ian Pringle said the offence would normally mean a custodial sentence.

But he then deferred sentencing for a period of four months and hinted that she would not be jailed - because of her ''extraordinary'' talent.

He said: "It seems to me that if this was a one-off, a complete one-off, to prevent this extraordinarily able young lady from not following her long-held desire to enter the profession she wishes to, would be a sentence which would be too severe.

"What you did will never, I know, leave you but it was pretty awful, and normally it would attract a custodial sentence, whether it is immediate or suspended."

The court was told her college will allow her to return to in October because she "is that bright" and has had articles published in medical journals.

[3catwoman3]

1. I would not want her...

...taking care of me.

[Oneironaut]

2. Women are still treated as semi-juveniles in the justice system

It's a result of the Patriarchy. The idea is that women are less in control of their feelings than men, so they should be excused for their actions. This idea is injected in both men and women from birth.

[Egnever]

3. Not enough info

would need to know much more about the circumstances to make a judgement on this one.

Was she defending herself or was she the instigator for example.

[Abu Pepe]

4. sculptor? nt

[chowder66]

5. I think the judge is making the right call based on the article

She is unlikely to become a surgeon because of a criminal conviction.
Her goal is to cure heart disease, she's in counseling and has a restraining order and was told to stay drug-free.

I think there is room for people of every station to grow from something like this. It's horrible what happened and she needs therapy for a long time but if it is indeed a one-off then yes, she should be given a second chance. I hope the judge gives others second chances as well and isn't favoring her for some other reason.

[Blue_Tires]

6. Wow... Mommy and Daddy must be people of influence...