A WOMAN is facing a long prison sentence after causing another woman “life threatening injuries” following a row about wages paid to the victim at a Caribbean restaurant in Birmingham.
Denise Beckford was found guilty of wounding Mikela Patterson with intent by a jury at the city’s Crown Court after she stabbed her repeatedly in Archibald Road, Lozells.
The 32-year-old, of Talbot Street, Lye, Stourbridge, and Adele Johnson-Hector were both acquitted of attempted murder.
Johnson-Hector, 26, of Bryant Street, Winson Green, was also found not guilty of wounding with intent.
The court heard that Miss Patterson had been employed by Beckford’s uncle Frank Beckford at the Mishmash Caribbean restaurant in Dudley Road, Winson Green.
John Riley, prosecuting, said the 23-year-old victim left her job following a dispute over her wearing a uniform and over wages.
He said that she went to the restaurant on November 3 last year and rowed with the owner about money she claimed was owed to her.
The row became so heated that the police were called and, he said that, Miss Patterson then received the cash she had claimed was hers.
Mr Riley said that the defendant and victim then exchanged a series of phone calls and agreed to meet on Archibald Road where she was stabbed.
He said Miss Patterson feared for her life and that she fled to her sister’s house and was later taken to City Hospital where she was operated on.
Her jugular had been penetrated in the attack, while the wound to her chest had gone through muscle and in to a vein, he said.
Judge Robert Orme adjourned sentence until July 15 on Beckford.