By James Simons-
An University Oxford judge who free a bright student that stabbed her boyfriend with a bread knife, will be scrutinised further, the eye of media.com can reveal.
Judge, Ian Pringle, had already sparked controversy earlier in May this year when he told Lavinia Woodward that a jail term could damage her prospects of a medical career and that she was too bright to be sent to jail.
Bright Woodward, who was studying medicine at Christ Church, Oxford, was given a suspended jail sentence on Monday, after previously admitting unlawfully wounding the Cambridge University student, who she met on Tinder.
The judge, Ian Pringle QC, sentenced Woodward to 10 months in prison suspended for 18 months at Oxford Crown Court.
Pringle had indicated a lenient sentence in May, that she would not be jailed when he stated:
“It seems to me that if this was a one-off, a complete one-off, to prevent this extraordinary 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,” he said.
“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.”
Woodward, who resides in Milan with her mother, stabbed her then boyfriend in the leg after punching him in the face. She subsequently threw a laptop, glass and jam jar at him during the attack on 30 September 2016, the court heard.
Woodward’s defence lawyer, James Sturman QC, said the judge’s comments had been taken out of context and it was wrong to say the defendant had been treated leniently because of her academic achievement.
Woodward, who has a personality disorder, eating disorder, and drug and alcohol problem, was unfairly given extra time to prove she could make a success of rehabilitation. However, the grounds of her suspended jail sentence raises many questions that has prompted the eye of media.com to examine the case morte closely. The case has today been presented to two lawyers for proper examination, for scholalrly assessment, and further scrutinisation of the judge’s decision. Judge Pringle made reference to a number of mitigating factors that influenced his decision, including the absurd factor of Woodword being ”remorseful”, demonstrating an unwavering determination to address her drug addiction and alcohol dependence, and having ”an immaturity not commensurate with her age”.
In his statement of reasons on Monday, Pringle said: “There are many mitigating features in your case. Principally, at the age of 24 you have no previous convictions of any nature whatsoever.
“Secondly, I find that you were genuinely remorseful following this event and indeed, it was against your bail conditions, you contacted your partner to fully confess your guilt and your deep sorrow for what happened.
“Thirdly, while you are a clearly highly intelligent individual, you had an immaturity about you which was not commensurate for someone of your age.
“Fourthly, as the reports from the experts make clear, you suffer from an emotionally unstable personality disorder, a severe eating disorder, and alcohol [and] drug dependence.
“Finally, and most significantly, you have demonstrated over the past nine months that you are determined to rid yourself of your alcohol and drug addiction and have undergone extensive treatment, including counselling, to address the many issues that you face.
“In particular, you have demonstrated to me since I adjourned this matter in May a strong and unwavering determination to do so, despite the enormous pressure under which you were put.”
POOR JUDGMENT
According to the reasoning of this judge, it is quite fair for every accused person who expresses remorse and a determination to beat their alcohol and drug addiction, to be treated differently by the law once they have some academic ability or talent. The judgment was shockingly poor and unprofessional that Woodword’s former boyfriend really should appeal the decision. It sends the wrong message to society. The girl might be clever in medicine, but she wasn’t too clever when she picked up a knife and decided to stab her boyfriend. She doesn’t appear to be cleaver in practical life decisions if her actions are anything to go by. This case will go into the law history books of the future, but hopefully commentators will point out how bad the judgment was.
The eye of media.com insists on fair treatment for all citizens, especially by the courts. A thorough analysis from other lawyers and judges on this case has been sort, and is awaited.