A mother has been jailed after admitting that “using knives is her go-to thing when she’s angry”, following a violent altercation at a Birkenhead hostel.
Hostel Row Turns Violent
Kelly Kavanagh, 45, launched an attack on another woman, Louise Stapleton, at the Rose Brae hostel on Bridge Street on the night of 12 February 2025. The dispute reportedly centred around a row over the victim’s boyfriend.
Liverpool Crown Court heard how CCTV footage captured a heated exchange between the two women in the hostel’s reception area. Kavanagh briefly left the room before returning with a knife, swinging it towards Stapleton’s head.
A struggle broke out, involving a third woman, before hostel staff intervened. The weapon was never recovered, but Stapleton sustained an injury to her hand.
‘Using Knives is My Go-To’
Under police interview, Kavanagh admitted that this was not the first time she had carried or used a knife. She shockingly confessed:
“Using knives is my go-to thing when I’m angry.”
Her criminal record included two previous convictions, with offences in 2011 and 2020, including an assault on a police officer.
Judge: ‘Wholly Disproportionate Reaction’
Judge David Potter condemned her actions as “wholly, wholly disproportionate”, stating:
“It was by sheer good fortune and not judgement on your part that no one was injured by that knife.”
He added that Kavanagh’s past trauma, alcohol addiction, and mental health struggles were clear factors in her actions but emphasised the severity of her crime.
16-Month Jail Sentence and Violence Reduction Order
Kavanagh, who was of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to:
• Making threats with a bladed article
• Possession of a bladed article in a public place
She was jailed for 16 months and handed a 12-month Serious Violence Reduction Order.
Before being taken into custody, she hugged and kissed her children, showing visible emotion as she said goodbye.
Defence: A Life of Struggles
Defending Kavanagh, Ken Heckle stated:
• She had suffered a difficult upbringing and substance abuse issues
• The altercation involved accusations about the victim’s boyfriend
•She had shown remorse, calling her actions “disgusting”
He added:
“She is trying to address her issues. Your honour has a defendant here who is petrified of going to prison.”
Knife Crime Concerns Continue
This case highlights ongoing concerns over knife crime and violence in the UK. With tougher sentencing laws and initiatives like the Serious Violence Reduction Order, authorities are cracking down on repeat offenders who pose a threat to public safety.
Police urge anyone experiencing violent situations or concerns about knife crime to report incidents via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or contact local authorities.
