A PREGNANT woman held a knife to her stomach before stabbing her boyfriend, a court heard.

Gaynor Chambers, 23, of South View, Craghead, near Stanley, was pushed away by Steven Turnbull during an argument in the kitchen, on February 1.

He had previously thrown cold tea over her when a row broke out about their unborn child.

Durham Crown Court head that she held a 5in blade to herself and said: "Shall I sort it out now?"

David Crook, prosecuting, said: "She moved forward and stabbed him in the stomach.

"She immediately realised what she had done and said: 'Sorry, I didn't mean to do that'.

"The victim then drove himself to hospital with a three-quarters-of-an-inch cut that was treated with three stitches.

"When she was arrested, she said she still loved him."

Peter Walsh, mitigating, said: "The fact is that Mr Turnbull assaulted her twice before she reacted.

"She had tea thrown over her and he pushed her away in anger.

"It was a moment of madness that is completely out of character. Her response was instantaneous and was one of contrition and remorse."

Their child is now six months old, the couple have parted and Mr Turnbull has started a relationship with Chambers' sister.

The court heard Chambers, who pleaded guilty to wounding, accepts their relationship is over and is now channelling her energy into looking after her children.

Mr Walsh said: "Mr Turnbull appears to have taken an unconventional view of the circumstances.

"You can imagine, it's one matter to lose a relationship but it is quite another to take up with her sister.

"Miss Chambers organised the christening of the child, recently, and made sure that Mr Tunbull and her sister were there.

"She poses no further danger to the public."

Chambers was sentenced to 51 weeks in prison, which was suspended for 18 months. She must also complete a 12-month supervision order.

Recorder Howard Crowson told her she could very easily have gone to prison.

He said: "In incidents where there is a knife, very serious injuries can be caused.

"As it happens, it was a minor injury and, despite whatever provocation there was, what you did was wholly wrong."