Lover almost killed rival

Jul 26 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal

A MECHANIC was beginning a 30-month jail sentence last night after almost stabbing his love rival to death. Durham Crown Court was told that both Stephen Carey and Martin Maxwell shared Lesley Carr’s affections.

And the simmering passions overflowed when Maxwell, 33, found Ms Carr out with Mr Carey, 50, at a pub in Catchgate, near Stanley, County Durham, one night in October last year.

Michael Graham, prosecuting at Durham Crown Court, said Ms Carr agreed to allow Maxwell to accompany her back to her home in Grampian Court, Annfield Plain, near Stanley, leaving Mr Carey on his own.

Mr Graham said Mr Carey had decided, “perhaps unwisely”, to go to Ms Carr’s house to check on her welfare.

“He knocked on the door and she ushered him into the kitchen, but Maxwell confronted him with a kitchen knife and stabbed him, severing an artery.”

Maxwell was arrested that night. Mr Carey now has only 40% use of one arm and a left finger bent out of shape.

The court was told that, had it not been for the prompt response of paramedics, Mr Carey may well have died from loss of blood.

Describing the case as “the eternal triangle”, Judge Guy Whitburn said: “All this could have been prevented if Lesley Carr had made up her mind who she wanted to be with.”

After hearing that Maxwell was also charged with threatening Ms Carr’s neighbours, by shouting abuse and throwing stones, the judge said: “Lesley Carr appears to be somewhat of a lively neighbour.”

Stephen Duffield, representing Maxwell, said Mr Carey did not believe he had stabbed him deliberately, believing he had acted in panic.

He said that his client had a previously clean record and was a hard-working mechanic.

Maxwell, of The Green, Highfield, Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, admitted wounding and the judge jailed him for two-and-a-half years.

Judge Whitburn said: “You are very fortunate not to be facing, at the very least, a manslaughter charge.

“This all stems from the eternal triangle. Both he and you were in love with the same person, Lesley Carr.”

Ms Carr, who was in the public gallery with several members of her family, wept when Maxwell was sentenced and waved to him.

All this could have been prevented if Lesley Carr had made up her mind who she wanted to be with