Girlfriend of stabbing victim arrested outside Chester Crown Court

Jul 29 2010 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

Girlfriend of stabbing victim arrested outside Chester Crown Court

THE girlfriend of stabbing victim Fynn Western-Davey was barred from witnessing the verdict after being arrested on suspicion of assaulting Niki Bishop outside Chester Crown Court on Monday.

Stacey Ward, 22, walked to a police station about 9.10pm that evening and was held in custody overnight.

She was later bailed until September 10 pending further enquiries, on condition she did not attend the court until the conclusion of the trial.

Miss Bishop, 25, who had been jointly accused with Howells of murdering 23-year-old Mr Western-Davey, was found not guilty last week after the trial ruled she had no case to answer.

She told The Chronicle she was subjected to an attack by a group by the entrance to the court.

Miss Bishop alleges she was punched, pulled down to the ground by her hair and kicked while on the ground. She was taken by ambulance to the Countess of Chester Hospital.

“I’m terrified,” she said afterwards.

Miss Bishop arrived at court the next day on crutches and with a bandage on her left arm.

The incident happened shortly after 4pm on Monday when the jury had retired to consider its verdict but just before being sent home for the day.

Miss Bishop, accompanied by her mum Gilly Stockton and a friend, returned to the public gallery after the incident to see the jury being sent home but was sobbing.

Detectives involved in the court case were the first to respond. A police van and cars then arrived at court. Statements were taken from witnesses. CCTV cameras captured at least part of the incident.

Judge Mr Justice Nigel Teare walked past the ambulance although it is believed jury members were unaware of what had happened.

There was a significant police presence outside court the next day with, at one stage, six vehicles including a dog van plus officers stationed in the public gallery.