Mary Heptinstall, 54, knifed her partner of 32 years in the chest as he lay on the settee, but Leeds Crown Court heard Trevor Heptinstall did not want her to phone the emergency services as it: "wasn't that bad."

But Mrs Heptinstall, of Kenton Drive, Wakefield, did call the police after the incident on June 29.

The husband suffered a three centimetre long by one centimetre deep wound, which was superficial.

Michael Collins mitigating for Heptinstall who admitted wounding, said his client had mental health problems, which had remained undiagnosed for many years. She had exacerbated her problems by taking alcohol.

The court heard today (Friday) that Mr Heptinstall now recognised his wife's difficulties and was offering support to her.

Judge Ian Dobkin, passing a community order with a 12-month supervision requirement, said: "You could have killed him, you know? And no amount of mitigation could have really stopped you from going to prison for a long time."

He added: "The injuries were unpleasant rather than life-threatening."