Tiptree woman broke microwave when threatened at knife point

Roma Taylor, 61, had spent the afternoon drinking with John Garrett in Tiptree last March when she went to his flat to return his coat.

Ipswich Crown Court heard on Friday how Garrett – who was later sentenced for carrying out a brutal knife attack – then threatened to slit her throat.

Peter Gair, prosecuting, said: “She was at the home address of Mr Garrett in March 2023.

Sentence - Roma Taylor appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

"She went into his kitchen to have a glass of water.

“They were friends or acquaintances and had been out drinking that afternoon.

"This defendant admitted she returned to the flat in Tiptree, occupied by Garrett, to give him his coat back.

“He followed her holding a knife, threatening to slit her throat.”

Taylor, or Cedar Avenue, Tiptree, then pushed a microwave on to the floor before Garrett called the police.

Four months later Garrett, 56, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder when he stabbed his victim David Stoneman four times at the village green in Tiptree.

Garrett later admitted one charge of wounding with intent and was jailed for 13 and a half years at Chelmsford Crown Court in June.

Stephen Dyble, mitigating, said Taylor - who appeared in court wearing a grey Under Armour fleece and Calvin Klein wallet bag - was trying to rebuild her life.

He said: “To her credit, she is moving to Maldon and has made a fresh start and kept out of trouble.

“She’s not drinking or taking drugs.

“It is manifest from her appearance she is significantly healthier.

“I have represented her many times over the years, and I hope she will forgive me for saying this, but today she looks very well by comparison.”

Offence - Roma Taylor was at John Garrett's address in Elm Close, Tiptree, when he threatened her with a knife (Image: Google Street View)

Judge Richard Conley said: “You were in physical danger from someone who is clearly a very dangerous individual.

“You are no longer drinking and no longer using drugs – things are on a much more even keel for you.”

Taylor, who admitted one charge of criminal damage, was given a conditional discharge but could be sentenced for the offence if she commits any offences over the next 12 months.