A former fell-running champion has admitted attempting to murder a British Athletics official as well as attacking two other men who stepped in to help him.
Lauren Jeska , 41, of Wesley Terrace, Machynlleth, pleaded guilty to trying to kill former rugby player, Ralph Knibbs who was stabbed at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham in March.
Jeska, 41, appeared via video link in front of Birmingham Crown Court from Foston Hall Prison, wearing a grey top and grey cardigan.
As well as the attempted murder charge, Jeska pleaded guilty to possession of two kitchen knives and to assault occasioning actual bodily harm upon Mr Knibbs’ colleagues, Tim Begley and Kevan Taylor.
Officers from West Midlands Police were called to the Alexander Stadium at about 10.30am on March 22 after reports that a 51-year-old man had been stabbed.
Richard Atkins QC, prosecuting, said the case had been listed for trial, but the pleas from Jeska were acceptable.
During the short hearing Jeska listened intently via her video link.
She did not appear to show any emotion and spoke only to confirm her name and to enter her pleas.
Former England rugby star Mr Knibbs, the head of human resources and welfare for UK Athletics, was rushed to hospital after he was knifed.
Jeska, who was the Women’s 2010, 2011 and 2012 English Fell Running Champion and won the British Championship in 2012, will remain in custody until she is sentenced on November 15.
A spokesman for UK Athletics said: “We are pleased that today’s admission brings to a close a difficult period for our colleagues following the unprovoked attack on Mr Knibbs and staff at our Alexander Stadium head office in Birmingham earlier this year.
“UK Athletics would like to place on the record a number of thanks following events on 22 March.
“A thank you to staff who reacted quickly in restraining the individual concerned, putting themselves at risk.
“A thank you to staff who worked calmly and yet with urgency to apply what was life-saving first aid to Mr Knibbs.
“Finally a thank you to all staff and colleagues not only of UK Athletics but also England Athletics and Birmingham City Council, who not only assisted with first aid to Mr Knibbs and the police investigation with witness statements and detailed accounts, but most crucially have supported each other in the aftermath of the incident.
“In closing, we would ask that all media respect our staff and colleagues’ wishes and respect their privacy. No further statements will be issued by UK Athletics or those involved with the incident.”
see-http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/machynlleth-champion-runner-admits-attempting-11923107
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