Lavinia Woodward escapes jail for stabbing boyfriend

Judge Pringle said his heavy drinking made his crime worse, but added there were “many” mitigating circumstances in his case.

He said she was “old enough and smart enough” to realize that “overindulgence” would influence her behavior.

He told him: “There are many mitigating circumstances in your case. At 24, you have no criminal record.

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“I see that you felt genuine remorse after this event and, although it was contrary to your bail conditions, you contacted your partner to fully admit your guilt and deep sadness at what happened. had passed.

“Although you are a very intelligent person, you have an immaturity that is not commensurate with someone your age. »

Woodward had shown a “strong and unwavering determination” to overcome his addictions and eating disorder, the judge said.

He said the student was introduced to Class A drugs following a “very damaging” previous relationship.

Defender, James Sturman QC said Woodward would return to rehab once the case was over and had given up hope of returning to Oxford this year because of the publicity.

He said Woodward was considering doing a doctorate abroad or seeking a research position at another university.

Mr Sturman added: “She went into rehab and engaged in deeply intrusive treatment, including for an eating disorder that has plagued her since she was nine years old.

“She has actually been in detention for four weeks. She undergoes drug tests every week.

Woodward's former lover, Mr Fairclough, a PhD student, did not attend the hearing.

Dressed in a demure white blouse, black pantsuit and black pumps, Woodward wept in the dock and fled the courtroom after the hearing ended.

The dean of the university, the Very Reverend Professor Martyn Percy, said afterwards: “We are concerned for the welfare of all our students and it is clearly a matter of regret and sadness when a young person spoils a promising career by committing crime.

“Ms Woodward is not currently studying at Oxford, having voluntarily suspended her medical studies.

“The question of his future will now be decided by the university, which has procedures in place when a student is the subject of a criminal conviction.”