Former PCS President avoids jail after stabbing partner

Image: By Sodacan 

Following a short trial at which former PCS President Janice Godrich pleaded guilty to stabbing her partner during an argument in which he threatened to leave her has avoided jail.

The Daily Record reports:

A top union boss who stabbed her husband over a row about her drinking has walked from court.

Janice Godrich, 56, president of the Public Commercial Services Union, plunged a six-inch kitchen knife through Daniel Williamson’s forearm following a bust-up over booze.

However, Godrich could lose her job at a disciplinary hearing following her knife conviction.

Paisley Sheriff Court heard Godrich, who also struggles with her mental health, popped outside their home for a cigarette as police officers raced to the scene in the town’s Corsebar Road.

She appeared for sentencing yesterday after pleading guilty to a charge of assaulting her partner to his severe injury on November 23 at the couple’s home.....

Defence agent Rhona Lynch made an impassioned plea on behalf of first offender Godrich, whom she described as a “one of the most respected activists in the British trade union movement.”

And she handed over “glowing testimonial letters” from leading union officials in support of the accused, who feared she would be locked up after admitting the knife crime.

Ms Lynch said: “This is a domestic assault by definition. But this does not feature against any background of domestic violence or history of antisocial behaviour.

(The Sheriff) handed her 12 months supervision by the local authority, with a recommendation that she attended alcohol counselling as requested and attend meetings with the community mental health team.

Given the circumstances this seems the right result and one hopes Janice will receive the help she needs. 

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As someone who has had alcohol problems in the past I do understand the problems involved. I haven't touched drink for over 21 years so alcoholism can be beaten.

If you or anyone else needs advice or help with a drinking problem there are services available though I would advise you to talk to your doctor:

alcoholchange.org.uk or www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk