A MAN who was stabbed in the leg and stomach by his girlfriend during a domestic row is keen for the relationship to continue, a court was told.

Thomas Cook suffered two 2cm-long wounds to his lower abdomen and the top of his leg after his partner Monique Jones picked up a six inch stainless steel kitchen knife during an argument over cigarettes at a house in Long Road, Lowestoft.

Appearing at Ipswich Crown Court last Friday<29>, Jones, 28, of Newham Green, Gorleston admitted assaulting Mr Cook, causing him actual bodily harm, and was given a 12 month supervision order. She was also ordered to do 80 hours unpaid work in the community after the court heard she had already spent 73 days in custody.

Robert Sadd, prosecuting, told the court that Jones had pleaded guilty on the basis that she had been reckless and had not intended to harm Mr Cook. Jones could have inflicted deeper wounds with the knife if that had been her intention.

Mr Sadd said the couple had been in a 'tempestuous' relationship for eight years and that Mr Cook had been sent home from hospital after his wounds had been dressed.

Katherine Moore, for Jones, said there had been violence on both sides during the relationship and Jones had previously suffered injuries at the hands of Mr Cook.

She said both her client and Mr Cook were 'troubled individuals'. He had missed her while she was in custody and despite what had happened he wanted her back.