Teenager stabbed victim in the head three times with a steak knife in unprovoked attack

A former Saddleworth schoolgirl has been locked up after stabbing a woman in the head with a steak knife after a 'minor' row.

Jessica Taylor, 19, Haddington Drive, Blackley, was sentenced to three years and five months at Minshull Street Crown Court where she pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and possession of a bladed article.  

Taylor, who went to Saddleworth School, stabbed her female victim three times in the head in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester city centre, in July last year following a "minor verbal exchange". 

The victim suffered two puncture wounds to the right side of her head and one to the left side of her forehead, all of which required stitches. She also sustained substantial bruising around her left eye.  

Taylor was tracked down through social media enquiries. 

Det Cons Annabel Lewis said: “This was a vicious and unprovoked attack in a busy location that resulted in the victim sustaining serious head and facial injuries.  

“The victim was stabbed with a steak knife that Taylor pulled out of her handbag. 

“After being arrested she made no comment in interviews and was later positively identified via a video identification parade. 

“Hopefully this sentence will demonstrate that it is not acceptable to carry a knife on the streets of Greater Manchester and anyone found doing so will be arrested and dealt with accordingly.” 

The victim of the attack has been left with "physical and emotional scars". 

She said: “Before this happened, I used to go out several times a week to socialise with friends. Now I barely go anywhere other than to visit family. 

“I wish this incident has never happened, but I know I can’t change it.   

“Aside from the physical scars there has been quite a significant emotional change in me. I have become quite short-tempered and irritable and often just isolate myself from people.  

“On occasion this has caused outbursts with my family where I have felt completely out of control.  

“This behaviour is completely out of character and really hard for me to come to terms with.”