Moray woman sentenced for assaulting ex-partner with knife at Elgin home

An Elgin woman has avoided jail after repeatedly striking her ex-partner with a knife in “self defence”.

Jenna Ralph struck the man with the knife multiple times at Ernest Hamilton Court, Elgin, on September 28, 2024.

The 33-year-old pleaded guilty to assault during an appearance at Inverness Sheriff Court.

Sheriff Sara Matheson ordered her to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work within 12 months. She also placed her under supervision for 24 months as a direct alternative to custody.

Sheriff Matheson didn’t hand a custodial sentence to Ralph due to “extenuating circumstances”.

Ralph’s defence solicitor, Stephen Carty, said: “The situation is more complicated.

“Ms Ralph had been in a relationship with the male for a period of time and he had been abusive towards her on that date.

“She had been at her address and had a friend with her. The complainer had not been happy and was banging and saying things and then the altercation took place.

“Ms Ralph had a previous partner who was physically and psychologically abusive and the complainer was well aware of this.

“A threat was made against Ms Ralph and the knife fell on the floor and the argument continued. She picked it up and made a number of strikes in self defence.

“She now regrets this and accepts this was excessive.”