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Woman sentenced for shop killing Woman sentenced for shop killing
(4 days later)
A woman who stabbed a widow to death with a carving knife in a Cardiff Poundstretcher store has been sentenced after admitting manslaughter.A woman who stabbed a widow to death with a carving knife in a Cardiff Poundstretcher store has been sentenced after admitting manslaughter.
Deborah Hancock, 45, will serve an indefinite term in a psychiatric unit.Deborah Hancock, 45, will serve an indefinite term in a psychiatric unit.
Retired hairdresser Valerie Thomas, 75, suffered the random attack in the city centre store and bled to death in hospital, Cardiff Crown Court was told.Retired hairdresser Valerie Thomas, 75, suffered the random attack in the city centre store and bled to death in hospital, Cardiff Crown Court was told.
Hancock, of Butetown, Cardiff, who has a history of mental illness, was heard to say: "I should be locked up".Hancock, of Butetown, Cardiff, who has a history of mental illness, was heard to say: "I should be locked up".
The court heard that Mrs Thomas, from Roath, Cardiff, told a shop assistant she thought she had been punched.The court heard that Mrs Thomas, from Roath, Cardiff, told a shop assistant she thought she had been punched.
Staff saw an eight-inch carving knife sticking out of her back.Staff saw an eight-inch carving knife sticking out of her back.
Peter Griffiths QC, prosecuting, said: "Valerie Thomas was a strong, decent and active lady who was loved by family and friends.Peter Griffiths QC, prosecuting, said: "Valerie Thomas was a strong, decent and active lady who was loved by family and friends.
Hancock used a knife from the shelf in the Poundstretcher storeHancock used a knife from the shelf in the Poundstretcher store
"She was the victim of a completely random attack but didn't realise she had been stabbed."She was the victim of a completely random attack but didn't realise she had been stabbed.
"She told a witness: 'That woman punched me,' as she walked through the shop with the knife handle sticking out of her back.""She told a witness: 'That woman punched me,' as she walked through the shop with the knife handle sticking out of her back."
The court was told that on 19 October last year Hancock had taken the carving knife from a shelf at the shop in Church Street.The court was told that on 19 October last year Hancock had taken the carving knife from a shelf at the shop in Church Street.
She used a cigarette lighter to melt its plastic wrapper then plunged the knife into Mrs Thomas's back.She used a cigarette lighter to melt its plastic wrapper then plunged the knife into Mrs Thomas's back.
Hancock was then heard telling shoppers: "Call an ambulance. That woman's going to bleed to death.Hancock was then heard telling shoppers: "Call an ambulance. That woman's going to bleed to death.
"I should be locked up. Perhaps they will give me the six years I want.""I should be locked up. Perhaps they will give me the six years I want."
You should not go to prison but you will be sent to hospital where you will receive the treatment you need Judge Mr Justice DavisYou should not go to prison but you will be sent to hospital where you will receive the treatment you need Judge Mr Justice Davis
John Charles Rees QC, defending, said Hancock's actions were caused by her mental illness.John Charles Rees QC, defending, said Hancock's actions were caused by her mental illness.
He said: "Looking at the history of her illness, when she has made cries for help and when she has been to institutions, it is clear the system let her down.He said: "Looking at the history of her illness, when she has made cries for help and when she has been to institutions, it is clear the system let her down.
"That same system has also let Valerie Thomas and her family down.""That same system has also let Valerie Thomas and her family down."
Hancock denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility.Hancock denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility.
Judge Mr Justice Davis told Hancock: "This was not a wicked crime and to some extent you are a victim.Judge Mr Justice Davis told Hancock: "This was not a wicked crime and to some extent you are a victim.
"But the true victim is Valerie Thomas."But the true victim is Valerie Thomas.
"Your true punishment will be having to live with what you have done for the rest of your life."Your true punishment will be having to live with what you have done for the rest of your life.
"You should not go to prison but you will be sent to hospital where you will receive the treatment you need.""You should not go to prison but you will be sent to hospital where you will receive the treatment you need."