An air stewardess who knifed her husband has been warned she will probably end up in jail.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Karen Horrocks, 48, stabbed Michael Horrocks in the back.

She had lifted the knife above shoulder height, brought it down, the victim had turned round as he saw the weapon going towards him and was injured in the back.

He needed stitches after the incident on September 26.

Horrocks, who is a grandma, denied wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm, but admitted the lesser charge of unlawful wounding.

The defendant, then of Hayhurst Street, Clitheroe, and described by her barrister as of “impeccable good character” was bailed until April 18, for a pre-sentence report, which a judge said would look at “dangerousness and the like”.

Horrocks was bailed to live at an address in York.

She must not contact prosecution witnesses and must not enter Padiham or Burnley, except to see her solicitor or attend court.

Judge Beverley Lunt told her: “The most likely sentence will be one of immediate imprisonment. All options will be considered by me.”

Nick Courtney, prosecuting, told the court if Mr Horrocks had not turned round, he might have suffered more serious injury.

Katherine Pierpoint, defending, said: “She is extremely anxious about these proceedings.”