Woman who stabbed partner looking forward to their wedding after judge's 'act of mercy'

A WOMAN has spoken of her love for the man who proposed to her after she stabbed him in the back.

Speaking from behind bars, Tiffany Baillie, 32, apologised to Gregory Todd and told how she was looking forward to their wedding day.

Baillie has been jailed for three years for stabbing the chef as he slept at the flat they shared in Trinity Road, Hessle.

However, the Mail revealed Mr Todd, 48, had forgiven her enough to propose, bringing an engagement ring to court last week as Baillie admitted the attack.

Beginning three years behind bars for grievous bodily harm with intent, Baillie said: "I'm very sorry that it happened.

"I'm just looking forward to getting married and going home now and getting on with our life together.

"I really appreciate all that's been done for me. I love him so much.

"I'm very pleased with the result and I thought the judge was very compassionate."

Baillie punctured Mr Todd's lung and kidney with a 12in knife, leaving him in intensive care for three months, after the attack in December.

The couple had hoped she would receive a suspended sentenced to enable them to start their new life together.

But Judge Michael Mettyear warned her she faced a 12-year sentence before reducing it as an "act of mercy" to three years.

Mr Todd proposed to her through her barrister as she waited to learn her fate last week.

Before she was sentenced, her barrister Paul Genney presented her with the engagement ring in her prison cell to try on.

Mr Genney said: "She looked radiant while trying the ring on. She was delighted.

"It was very unusual. I have never known it before."

Baillie told the Mail: "I tried the ring on. It fits and it looks lovely."

As she stood in the dock, shaking and frightened, Baillie looked across at Mr Todd and mouthed "I love you".

The couple stared longingly at each other throughout the hearing -– both with tears in their eyes.

They met when they were both working as chefs at the Lairgate Hotel in Beverley.

Baillie and her 12-year-old son later moved into Mr Todd's flat.

Mr Todd said: "She is perfect for me.

"We have a lot in common and get on really well. I want her to come out so we can get married and get our lives back.

"I was planning to propose to her on her birthday, on December 29. Then I was in hospital for Christmas, her birthday and new year.

"I was hoping she would be released.

"I was planning to take her to one side in the court and ask her to marry me.

"I have told the police from day one I love her and don't want to lose her. It has been a nightmare."

Mr Todd needed emergency surgery to repair damage to his left kidney, pancreas and colon.

Doctors said without it, he would have died.

After she attacked him, Baillie ran from the house and called for help from their neighbours.

Due to the swift treatment he received from the emergency services, his life was saved.

Baillie was originally charged with attempted murder but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge.

Mr Todd said: "I don't hold this against her at all. Seeing her in prison is my worst nightmare."

• Wedding must wait as woman who stabbed boyfriend jailed for three years - after he begged for leniency