LEANNE MELLING – MACCLESFIELD

❌LEANNE MELLING – MACCLESFIELD❌

NHS worker mum who knifed screaming boyfriend in stomach in brutal drug-fuelled rage is jailed

Leanne Melling a healthcare assistant working for the NHS has been jailed for a serious knife attack on her partner, carried out during what the court described as a drug- and alcohol-induced episode.

The attack took place in the early hours of 19 January 2025 at her home in Macclesfield. Her boyfriend was asleep in bed when she entered the room armed with a large kitchen knife. Without warning, she stabbed him in the abdomen with significant force.

Startled and badly wounded, the man managed to escape downstairs. Despite losing a substantial amount of blood, he was able to call 999. Emergency services arrived quickly and he was rushed into surgery, where doctors treated a serious internal injury caused by the blade.

After stabbing her partner, the woman fled the house through a window. She travelled several miles on foot and was later located by police near her mother’s address. Officers described her as distressed, confused and under the influence when they arrested her.

During initial questioning, she claimed to remember little of the incident. Toxicology and background information later confirmed a pattern of cocaine use and heavy drinking, and the court was told her addiction had escalated dramatically in the months before the attack.

She was charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, a serious violent offence that carries a substantial custodial sentence. She initially struggled to accept responsibility, but ultimately entered a guilty plea.

In court, the prosecution told the judge that the attack could easily have been fatal had the knife struck differently. They emphasised that the victim had been asleep and defenceless when the assault began.

The defence stated that the woman had been dealing with depression, emotional instability and increasing drug misuse, and argued that the stabbing was an impulsive act rather than a planned attack. A psychological report prepared for the court confirmed she had been experiencing significant mental health difficulties.

The victim described the incident as deeply shocking and traumatising. He said that during the attack she appeared like “a different person,” someone he did not recognise at all.

Despite the serious nature of the assault, he told the court he hoped she would receive support for her mental health and addiction so she could rebuild her life after her sentence.

The judge acknowledged her previous good character and her work caring for vulnerable patients in the NHS, but said the level of violence used meant a custodial sentence was unavoidable.

She was sentenced to five years in prison, with the judge noting:

• The attack was sudden and severe.
• The victim was at significant risk of death or lifelong injury.
• Drug-fuelled behaviour had escalated to a dangerous level.
• The defendant needed structured intervention for addiction and mental health issues.

The judge added that serious consequences follow when violence is combined with substance misuse, and that the public must be protected from similar risks.

The victim continues to recover from his physical injuries and emotional trauma. The defendant, now serving her sentence, is expected to undergo rehabilitation and mental-health support while in custody.