Detectives who worked on a complex domestic abuse investigation which resulted in a woman being jailed for 18 years, have been commended by the Chief Constable.

A 53-year-old woman from Carlisle, was convicted of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after attacking with a knife her partner whilst he slept and a child.

The officers commended were, DC Louise Telford, DS Sarah Story, DC Gabrielle Nicholson, DC Kathryn Chestney and DI Matt Belshaw.

The investigation was complicated from the outset by an initial “DARVO” report – Deny, Attack and Reverse Victim and Offender – after the offender made an initial report stating she had been attacked and coaching the child to mislead police.

However, a thorough and professional investigation unravelled exactly what had occurred, proving that the offender had stabbed her partner whilst he slept before stabbing a young child, before inflicting injuries on herself.

The officers were put forward for the commendation by Detective Superintendent Dan St Quintin.

He said: “The team of detectives worked tirelessly and with empathy and professionalism, in order to secure a significant sentence of imprisonment against the offender.

“This included working sensitively with the young child victim and working with CPS colleagues to ensure the evidence put forward was robust, resulting in a conviction being secured.”